This is where Porta-Bote really excels over ordinary rigid craft and inflatable boats. You require only half the horsepower of an aluminum or inflatable boat to obtain the equivalent speeds in a Porta-Bote. This is because of the ultra-lightweight hull and deep "V" design. You can "plane" on a 3.5 HP outboard and obtain speeds of up to 20 MPH with a 5HP motor (single occupancy). The Porta-Bote is designed so light and efficient that you can actually plane using a 50+ pound thrust electric outboard (single occupancy). Try that with an inefficient inflatable or heavy aluminum boat!