Suggestions for kicker moter for 23' Venture

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steveandreina

New member
So many choices on kicker motors out there. I am thinking about going with a Honda 9.9 to match my Honda 135 main motor. Anyone know if it is important to get electric trim, electric start? and how about trolling with this motor... do you use the bar to tie the motors together or use remote steering? Any suggestions would be appreciated. I
 
Personally I like the kicker to match the main, so you'd probably like having a Honda kicker, aesthetically speaking. On a previous boat I had a Yamaha with electric tilt and start. I enjoyed having those features so much more than I ever expected. It's so nice to just push a button to lower the motor, then push another button to start it. And it only lived as a "backup" motor, so would imagine a fisherman would appreciate having those features even more!

Now, with all that said, I've got a 2016 Tohatsu Sail Pro 6hp (long shaft, manual start/tilt, High Thrust prop, and 6A charging), with only 2 hours of freshwater use, that I can make a heck of a deal on! It's a great motor, it's just that the matching 50 hp has been sold so this is sitting in the corner of the garage unused. Probably smaller than what you are looking for, but a lot of people find 6hp (or less!) sufficient on a 22, so might also be true for the 23, depending on what you are using it for. There are countless other threads on the topic. Just like Single vs. Twins threads :wink:
 
The more important issue is the size of the prop and gear ratio. A high thrust, sailboat type of motor is a better kicker.

The electric trim and tilt/ start are nice--but they add more weight and complexity to the engine. If you have physical problems which make pulling the start cord difficult then the electric start is essential. I have never had electric start on a 9.9 hp--but have on any motor larger for just this reason.

You can link the motors together by the tiller bar, or by a unit which clamps onto the legs. You can get remote pilots for the steering, and an remote throttle (electric) as well as manual controls. Consider how you will be using the motor--it may be better to have controls in the cockpit for fishing.

Some folks will size the kicker to be used on the inflatable dinghy. I used a 2.5 HP four stroke Suzuki or 3.5 HP Merc two stroke on both the 22 and 25 C Dory--gets about 3 knots--which will get you out of danger, but not satisfactory for many applications...your choice. I have noted many times, that my father had a 26 foot sailboat with a hull similar to the 25--and used a 5 hp 1932 Johnson for many years. When he could no longer find parts, and bought a 9.9 hp, it was slower! Didn't have the large prop!
 
We have a lightweight Suzuki 9.9 Long shaft, electric start, mounted on a mini-jacker. The motor uses a stainless tie bar between the motors which works well. We have a high thrust prop and get about 6.5 mph at 3/4 throttle (or full throttle... no difference). I'm sure that a Honda 8 or 9.9 might be a better match for your 135 and would work equally well. Good luck with your fine boat.
 
I have the same main on my current boat, and went with a Honda 8HP high thrust per the dealer's recommendation. I went with electric start for convenience, and thinking that if my batteries were to die I could pull-start the kicker, then rev it and use its alternator power to get the main started back up. The Honda 8, 9.9, and 15 all weigh the same (at least they did when I bought my boat) so you could go up to 15 if you wanted with no weight penalty. Mine has an easily removable SS tie bar system mounted to both motors near the front (ie the area right below the tiller on the kicker), just need to make sure to loosen the steering tensioner on the kicker so it turns freely then you can steer with the main steering wheel. The 8 is cold blooded but runs like a champ once started. For this reason I pre-start and warm it up at the dock before making a rough passage, to assure it will start with one push of the button if urgently needed. Best, Mike.
 
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