Well, I wouldn't say it is optimal but it can certainly be done. I have an older Merc 90 2 stroke and I trolled with it the entire 2010 season. Just use some large drift/trolling socks on each side of the boat and you should be fine. 5 gallon buckets work as well. Just drill some holes in the bottom. Wit the socks, I was able to get down to anywhere between 1.5 and 2mph with the waves. These are not optimal speeds for early season, but well within limits from June to October. I also mounted a Minn Kota trolling motor (55lb thrust, 12 volt) that mounts to the cavitation plate of the outboard ($500). This worked great for when I needed to slow way down or on heavy wind days. I can troll all day on two batteries and its a lot cheaper than gas right now. Hope this helps.