I purchased a 16 that had a Cheeta and a 2hp Evinrude short shaft motor. I never used it (so obviously can't comment on hp), as the previous owner lost the arm (I ground the rivets off to remove the base and sold the motor) He used when the wind died on the South China Sea. The (15-20 degree) downward angle of the (15 to 18") arm from the rear crossbar makes the short shaft motor sit plenty deep.