First of all, if you want to shoot ducks, I'd stay on the Ohio. It's been a few years since I messed around on the sounds and that's because it has been very poor for quite a while. I no longer have the appetite for the effort/reward ratio that currently exists. You may know more than I did and it may be worth it to you. Secondly, If you get caught by a front out on the Pamlico or Neuse, ain't nothin' going to be big enough. Thirdly, and you probably already know this, don't even think about crossing either of those rivers; put in on whatever side you are going to hunt.
I know nothing about surface drive motors, just that I almost never see one.
Are you going to hunt out of it or use it to get to a blind? Be aware, if you are not already, of the idiotic laws regarding hunting the marshes which fringe the sounds.
A 19' Carolina Skiff-type boat would be a minimum I would say. 90HP +/-. A mod-V like a Privateer would be more comfortable and probably safer.
You owe me $.02, LOL.
