Nice to see someone else in the Gheenoe club. I have a 13' that i have rigged up. A 55lb should work just fine, I run a 36lb with no problems at all. I would recommend mounting it on the bow though. Trolling motors work much better pulling rather than pushing, esp in the wind. With it on the stern you will end up getting spun in circles alot. You can build a trolling motor mount for less than 15 bucks.