I owned a 14' Lowe "Big Jon" for years. Very stable boat. I would not go less than 14' or less than 15HP. The 15HP would take me about 20MPH with just me in the boat. If I had to do it over again I would get at least a modified "V" hull. The flat front WILL beat you to death. Trust me. You may start out thinking "Oh, I'll just take it out into creeks and ponds", but once you have that boat, it's hard to resist the temptation to hit the lake. It's great going downwind, but you got to get back to the ramp. Good luck no matter what you decide.