Hey Slydog

I have a 8 foot Outcast Blue heron 8. It can hold
up to 270 pounds. I weight 220 and have to watch
how much extra stuff I carry. I use a 23 thrust
Minkota trolling motor with a motor cycle battery
that is used to run my Hummingbird 100 fish finder
and the trolling motor at the same time. The battery
weights about 15 pounds and would not suggest using
this type of battery. I'm sure some of the guys can
suggest a lighter weight marine battery. Also my boat
is level fully loaded, you just need to move your
seat forward to transfer the weight.Hope this
helps.

Best Fishes
Gene :)