Outboard Motors of an Outrigger Canoe

Clamping a two-horsepower outboard motor to your canoe can greatly increase its versatility. You can easily cruise along at 6 knots at half-throttle. slim shape of the canoe’s hull requires very little power to drive it, so don’t be tempted to increase the size of the motor, because the extra thrust is not necessary and the extra weight is not in a good location. Electric power is also a possibility with the use of an outboard trolling motor and a sealed battery box located near the center of the hull.

If you value your motor, however, leave it at home if you’ll be sailing in strong winds, or rig a safety ama (Figure 12-16) to prevent the motor from getting dunked.