Hard to say
How strong is the current in that channel? Are you going against a strong wind? I have a 4hp outboard on my Day Sailer and it is plenty of power, I had a 2.3hp before, it was enough, but really did not have a correct propeller for my boat, it couldn't reach proper RPM at WOT. I tried a 2 hp that had a better prop and it seemed to be more power than the 2.3hp! I would think that 3-5 hp would be about right, the boat will almost plane with 4 hp. O'Day recommended no more than 8hp, but that large of an engine is heavier (as much as 2X the weight of a 3 hp) and will burn more gas than a 3-4 hp. Get a long-shaft if you can, a short-shaft will work...but may come up out of the water in a wave, just whe nyou really need the power.
