That's good info, bryn. Funny too! (backup paddle) You sail on one of the finger lakes?
Yeah, the boats sound similar. This one is ~5000 lbs.
Just for kicks I have tried
my Minnkota 17 lbs thrust electric trolling motor on it a few times. At high power, on calm water and in zero wind it will go along at the equivalent of a slow walking pace. Maybe a knot or a knot and a half.
To be practical, I'll need something capable of about 4-5 knots max. I'm on the St. Lawrence, and currents around here are 1-2 knots. And of course the prevailing wind is the same direction as the current...
The actual motor I played with (attached to a more appropriate hull :P):
The idea of regen has occurred to me, particularly if I use the per mag motor. But to be honest, I spend more time aboard at anchor or tied to docks than I spend sailing, so it's not a priority.