Good choice on the Pelican. Love mine, will never go back to flat bottom, the pontoon style is much better for stability. Any small boat, aluminum, fiberglass or plastic will have trouble in the wind. Stay close to shoreline and be "better safe than sorry". However, in saying that, I've been caught out in the open when the wind has picked up drastically. You'll get wet and have a rough ride, but you will get back to shore. I don't think they are sinkable. I've had mine out on Amistad Lake and Corpus Christi Bay with 10-15 mph winds and did ok. I went the 2.5hp on the back end and 30lb trolling motor on the front route. With the outboard on the back you save on battery life and it works as rudder to keep you tracking straight while using the trolling motor. It's also added security that you have another option to get back to shore. Mine does about 5mph on full throttle with 2 people and gear in calm water. Bought the 2.5 on Craig's list. The 2 strokes are lighter, mine is a 90's era Mercury and only weights 28 pounds. If you go the outboard route find one that has a built in gas tank. This will save room in your boat. Also, use the premixed fuel you find in the quart metal containers, no ethanol, it will run better and save you in the long run with repair issues.
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