Need advice on best kicker for new 16 Angler

T

turtleblues

New member
I am about to pick up a 2007 Angler 16 and was wondering what is the best size kicker for it. It has a 60 hp Yamaha on it and I was thinking an 8 hp would be a nice match. I want something that can get me back into harbor should the main engine go down. I am a sailor and used to having the wind as a back up. I don't trust power boats anywhere except on lakes :P
 
Try and get a twin cylinder, I hate the vibration from the single cylinder motors. I think one manufacturer makes an 8hp twin, but most you have to go to 9.9 to get a twin.
 
Even though I have a Honda 8, my favorite kicker is the Yamaha 8. I believe it is the smoothest trolling motor I have ever used. Works well at low speeds, the throttle is very adjustable, and nothing but praise from me...
 
We had a Suzuki 50hp main & 6hp kicker on our 16' Cruiser.

I liked having an internal fuel tank on the Suzuki kicker for times I didn't want to carry that much fuel.
 
I will second the Suzuki 6hp four stroke. I used a Honda 8hp with a Johnson 48 two stroke main for several years. When the Johnson died, I put a Honda 50 on and used it a year with the 8hp kicker. I loved the Honda 8 but the weight on the back of the boat with the fuel tanks, battery, etc. worried me when myself and fishing partner were standing in the back fishing. Also, I didn't really need 8 hp for a kicker because it would only push me about 5 mph max at about 1/3 throttle and giving it more throttle only made more noise with no increase in speed. I shopped around and looked at the Tohatsu, Yamaha, Mercury, Suzuki, and Honda 5/6 hp motors and I felt the Suzuki 6 was the best option for me. I was concerned about the vibration since it is only a single cylinder, but I used it last year trolling for salmon and it was not bad at all, so I am happy with my decision to buy it. I believe the difference in weight was about 40 pounds between the Suzuki and Honda.

Al
 
Most of the motors will be 2 cylinder for 8 hp and above. If you use the kicker for trolling (low speed), the single cylinder does vibrate, usually because the powerhead does not have the rubber dampeners between it and the transom mount. That causes the vibration of the motor to transfer to the boat in a harsh manner. For higher speeds, as a get you home motor, the vibration wouldn't be as noticeable. I'd stay with 2 cylinders for the smooth operation, although they are heavier. I also prefer the honda, yamaha, or suzuki (but not the single cylinder models). They are all pretty dependable, although the singles shake at low speeds.
 
I have a 4 HP Mercury on my 16' Cruiser. The advantage is that it only weighs 52 lbs. The 16's are VERY sensitive to stern weight, a fact you will be considering greatly in the future, I promise you!! I added a kicker for security to get back to the dock if my main failed. The 4 will push the 16 at nearly 5 knots which is respectable. Yes, it may be a little noisy, but when the main fails, you "could care less"!! However, if you will be doing more trolling instead of planing, a twin may be more appropriate. Steve
 
Thank you everyone for the good advice. I am not used to the weight issue and really had not considered it much. I do have a 3.5 hp sitting in the basement. Maybe I should try that before venturing into the store and dropping a couple of grand.
I did talk with someone this morning who used to own a 16. He said thatg at 200 lb. he found it very tender when he was alone. I am 220 lb. and 6'2" so maybe a little less weight on the transom is important.
Again thanks for the advice.
 
I have a Yamaha 6 for a kicker on my 17 foot Arima, and highly recommend it. Twin cylinder, and very quiet - pushes the boat about 5 knots, and starts first time, every time. Weighs 82 pounds, though - maybe to heavy for your CD16.
 
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