question about kicker motor

nordicstallion · Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2007 11:23 pm Post subject: question about kicker motor

Hi, from the newbie. Can anyone refer me to a previous thread (I have been looking) for pros and cons of adding a kicker to my 19'. I have been looking at a 9.9. I will be ocean fishing, not lake and I'm figuring this is a good idea primarily if I'm at sea and my main motor stops working. Ideas?

chromer · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2007 12:22 am Post subject:

Yes, yes and yes !!!

MikeMac · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2007 8:13 am Post subject: Good Idea

Hi Nordic,
Happy New Year to all. I have a Honda BF8 kicker on my 22 Classic. It brought me home once when the impeller failed on my BF75 out in Galveston Bay (curiously, the day before I was wondering in my head if it was time to replace the water pump impeller on the BF75 and obviously the answer was yes). So even though I had to cruise back to my marina at 5 knots. I avoided the embarassment of returning via SeaTow or TowBoats US. It also brought me back once when I couldn't get the big motor started due to a self-inflicted electrical problem (make sure those battery post terminals are really clean and tight).

I like having a kicker for the peace of mind of a backup motor, and a backup alternator (see battery posts). One time my battery (OK, I admit I've only got one) was too low to start the big motor after sitting unused a bit too long. Hey, rope start the kicker, and you've got an onboard battery charger. The downsides are additional initial cost (which would buy a bunch of tow insurance), weight, and additional maintenance. I try to run mine every time I use the boat to make sure it is in good shape if I need it, and I maintain it on the same schedule as my big motor even though it sees about a tenth as much use. I've heard several stories of folks who had a rarely used kicker which failed when they really needed it.

There are several previous threads discussing sizes and models. Hope that helps!

Mike

Robbi · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2007 9:44 am Post subject:

I am not sure if there is a thread about the 19 and a kicker.(many about 19s and transom weight and trimtabs) Certainly threads about the 22 and a kicker. The 19 has different considerations in that you will want to keep the weight down. I have a main that weights about 60 pounds more than yours, and I have a 6hp kicker. I like it. It pushes the boat about 5 kts at wot, but I don't get miles offshore. If I did, I would want a larger kicker. If you are going to use it just as a back up to the main, get the lightest 9.9 possible. I would talk to as many 19 owners who have kickers and dealers who rig them as I could, esp those who go offshore. Robbi

damason · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2007 10:18 am Post subject:

The new 2008 Suzuki 9.9 hp has tilt and trim with electric start and remote steering. It also gives a 6 year warranty. Fuel mileage will be good at lower speeds.

BoatLine · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2007 10:23 am Post subject:

December 31 (today) is the last day to get the fee Suzuki Gimme 6 year warranty on small motors.

Bob

tsturm · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2007 11:39 am Post subject:

I have the 8hp Honda, works perfect & has for 12yrs on 2 diff boats Mr. Green

The next kicker I buy will be the Yamaha(just quieter & smoooother) Buy the long shaft (20")

Have a good new year

Doryman · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2007 12:49 pm Post subject:

I've heard from several sources that the 8 hp high thrust Yamaha is the single most popular kicker for fish boats due to its power and reliability.

flapbreaker · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2007 12:57 pm Post subject:

I have the 8hp classic honda and like it well enough for it's simplicity. I thought about going with the power tilt, start ect but wanted to keep things simple. If your classic won't start it could only be a couple possibilities. Get into electric start and the list grows. Just a thought.

Sea Wolf · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2007 2:36 pm Post subject:

nordicstallion · Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2008 12:31 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the information, this is helping. I have a question on whether the kicker should be mounted on the transom on a c-dory or should I have a retractable kicker mount. Is the purpose of the mount to get it out of the water or out of the way of the main motor?

dotnmarty · Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2008 12:40 pm Post subject:

I would just hang it on the transom for now. Get some experience with it. For instance, see just which side of the transom is best for you as far as weight balance goes. Later, if you find it is dragging too much for your liking you can always add a kicker bracket. Altho I don't have one, I've heard that those retractable brackets can sometimes be a problem themselves.

Robbi · Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2008 1:04 pm Post subject:

This is what I mounted my kicker on. Gets the motor up and out of the water when tilted.

I bought the motor and bracket from Les at EQ. Robbi

geebee2 · Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2008 1:22 pm Post subject:

Hi,
I've got a 19' with the 75-4stroke Yamaha and an 8hp-4stroke Yamaha kicker (mounted on the portside). It is very tight. I've built a SS mounting bracket to get away from the adjustable ones as most of them reccommend that you don't trailler with the engine mounted. These 4strokes are too heavy to be throwing them around.The 8hp will push my boat about 7mph.

flapbreaker · Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2008 3:42 pm Post subject:

Just a thought here. I don't know if you have trim tabs or plan on getting them but the location of the kicker might be challenging. I know on my 22 that space is limited. I have a kicker bracket called a "mini jacker". It's sationary but gets the motor back out of the way of the trim tabs.