I push 2159 hardtop trophy with a 9.9 Yamaha no problems love it. Mine just has the regular prop on it as well, not the steep kicker motor prop. I have no problem getting slow enough without bags. Consider the fact that a 8hp is not really that much cheaper than a 9.9. Also no worries if you buy a 9.9 without a charging system you can add the parts to the yammies for the charging system for around 100 bucks. I also am a huge fan of the digital servo driven throttle controllers they are awesome precision throttle adjustment from the helm with a turn of the dial....
TD