Tom,You certainly should have a long shaft auxiliary. I had a Suzuki 9.9 w/remote controls and power thrust 4 blade prop. I sailed on the lower Chesapeake where seas could get to 5 feet pretty quick. Fortunately I never had to test 5 feet, but I spent plenty of time in 2-3 ft. My configuration may have been a little hefty, but when I needed power, I had it. I can't imagine a 6 being enough when the stuff is hitting the fan, 8hp may be adequate but some is good, more is better! I liked the Suzuki because it is fuel injected and got excellent fuel consumption and reliability Two things: use only corn free fuel and fresh water flush after each use.Joe DempseyM/V Voyager1968 Trojan 42' MYEx- S/V Respite1989/2005 Rhodes 22Deltaville, VAExSent via the Samsung Galaxy S23 5G, an AT&T 5G smartphone