What kind of motor do you need for an unobstructed vessel, for instance on lakes or the mouths of rivers, where the current isn’t so strong?
A 1 kW motor is enough to get you going 4 knots (7 km/h, more than enough for short trips and calm weather. A more powerful, 3 kW motor makes things safer in more inclement weather, but then you need a stronger, heavier battery. With a 6 kW motor you can even tow a tube, banana, or SUP for brief periods, though of course this uses more energy.