I have a 30lb TM on the rear and a 40lb on the front and it's fine in creeks and parts of the lake when the wind isn't blowing. I have an 8hp Evinrude in the ahop that runs great but I'm thinking it would be too much for my little boat. Opinions are greatly appreciated.

Yes. The factory transom would twist like pretty bad. You would likely endup building a transom like i have to get the height and a solid transom.

What size is your outboard Cat Finder?

95 merc 4hp modded into a 5hp. By myself i need a throttle extension as i need to sit closer to the front to balance weight. It'll get up and go even with two people. Makes for a fun outting.

Lol. I can only imagine! I figured the 8hp would be too much. I don't need to go out there passing any of those pretty bass boats up throwing a rooster tail.

Yeah they would flip when they see you flying by. Lol. Just dont tell them your catching more fish then them. 😆 the only concern I'd have with an 8hp is the weight. If its light weight id go for it and build a transom sorta like I did. Throttle to your liking.

used a 5hp on an 8ft buster for years...had to keep weight forward 8hp probably no bueno

My bass hunter EX was rated for 2.5 or some such size...weight was the biggest issue...just stayed with the troller and two batteries. If you want to go the motor route, maybe get a small alum creek boat and hang that motor on it.