I hope to pick up a Pelican Bass Raider 10 on Saturday.  It comes with a trolling motor, but I've been thinking about maybe getting a small gas outboard. But, I don't want to spend $1K / HP.  I see them on Amazon for 200-300 bucks sometimes.  They get moderately decent reviews.  Anyone with any experience?

No experience, but I can only imagine. I remember buying cheap weed eaters and I would have to replace them the next year or maybe two. Then I bought a Stihl, haven't bought one since.

Those cheap outboards? Heard parts are impossible to find for em if you ever need them. Would think you would be better off with 12v trolling motor + battery but there is also this video:

 

 

 

 

I run a 2.3 Honda (air cooled) and it hasn't given me any problems in the past year. Not cheap but has been reliable and is 4 stroke.

 

https://www.defender.com/product.jsp?id=6868254

I wouldn't buy off brand because you may never be able to get parts for them

Get a Garmin Force or similar. Probably would push that boat like 5mph and you'd get spot lock and other features.