4 hp kicker motor ok? trolling with a 70?

[rbyeab]

I have a 1968 glaspar 17' I am running in puget sound for fishing. I have a 70 hp evenrude that is older and need something for trolling. I might try trolling with the 70 and just keep a spare set of plugs when they get fouled. I am also thinking of a kicker motor, but not sure what size I really need. Seems like the 4hp are more available than the 6-8 hp johnson evenrude, and less money. I am also thinking I need a "get home" motor, but not sure if the 4 hp is adequate for that. I dont plan on going a long distance. Any suggestions? thanks.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 4 hp kicker motor ok? trolling with a 70?

I doubt that the 4 hp is adequate as a get home motor, frankly. Personally, if I were in Puget Sound, I'd want something a little beefier...something like a 9.9 or 15. That little 4 hp will barely maintain way in a strong breeze, and do nothing in a stiff wind.<br /><br />A 9.9 or 15 will troll plenty slowly, and will get you home a lot more safely. It's more money, but it could be your life.

 

[rbyeab]

Re: 4 hp kicker motor ok? trolling with a 70?

Thanks CA...What do you think about trolling with the 70 and no "get home" motor at all? Bad idea?

 

[lingcod]

Re: 4 hp kicker motor ok? trolling with a 70?

yup bad idea. puget sound can get real sloppy sometimes. if your out there and no ones around your screwed. go with at least 8hp. if price is an issue, cabelas has 8hp nissans for 1750.00 or three rivers marine has 8hp merc for 1796. these are 4 stroke motors. if ya want cheaper go with the 2 stroke. if you want to stay with one motor buy a membership to vessel assist. if you use it once it pays for itself.<br /><br />lingcod

 

[JRJ]

Re: 4 hp kicker motor ok? trolling with a 70?

Get a VHF radio if you don't already have one. Are you ever really out on the sound all alone? Do you take chances and gamble on the weather with your life and the friends with you? A 4hp would be a great trolling motor for a 17' boat but might not be adaquate as a main get home motor if you get caught out when its bad. Have fun and keep a spare set of plugs with you

 

[BillP]

Re: 4 hp kicker motor ok? trolling with a 70?

If the motor is in good condition and in tune it should troll for hours without fouling plugs. Try hotter plugs and see what happens. <br /><br />Then spend the $125 for SeaTow type service and don't worry about a kicker motor.

 

[pwiseman]

Re: 4 hp kicker motor ok? trolling with a 70?

Trolling with a 70 might work for ocean fishing. The thing to realize is that your prop pitch has everything to do with how slow you can go. Some guys think of 1/2 MPH as tolling where others think of 4-5 MPH as trolling. If you want to get down under 2 MPH the 70 will strugle with that because your pitch is too high. Not sure what you have, but it is probably 16 or higher. I agree that a 4 HP on a 17 footer is not going to help much for getting home or with rough condidtions. I would do a 9.9 where your pitch will be somewhere around 8. I would stay away from single piston 4 strokes for trolling. Most all 4 stokes go to twin cylinders at 8 HP. I think yamaha does it at 6 though. My opinion is that the 4 strokes are very nice for trolling becuase the don't foul out and they are nice and quiet. The do weigh more, but on a boat like yours, this should not be a big issue.

 

[rbyeab]

Re: 4 hp kicker motor ok? trolling with a 70?

Thanks everyone for the comments. How do I tell what pitch I have on my prop? I do have a line on a 9.9 that I am looking at tonight. Any idea what something like that weighs? I want to keep the weight down if possible.

 

[pwiseman]

Re: 4 hp kicker motor ok? trolling with a 70?

Many props have the pitch stamped on them. Look on the blades for something like 9.25x9. They might also be inside the hub somewhere. First number is the diameter, second is the pitch. Pitch is the important number. Diameter can vary based on material and style of prop. Most of the smaller motors are sold with a prop that works with most applications. Once you get to the midrange motors they generally are sold without a prop because the right prop depends on several factors such as weight and hull design. Also, the types of props available for small motors is limited compared to large motors.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 4 hp kicker motor ok? trolling with a 70?

The other important deal with a get home motor is to make sure it's always in good running condition. Too often, these kickers are ignored until they are needed, and then they don't start right up.<br /><br />The drill should be that you start and warm up the kicker before leaving the dock, every time you go out. Keep the fuel fresh for the kicker, if you're using a separate fuel tank for it.<br /><br />If you're out in the briny deep and your main engine dies and won't restart, you definitely want that little kicker to fire right up. Otherwise, it could be panic time.<br /><br />Puget Sound isn't a placid place all the time, and there are times when you don't want to be out there adrift.<br /><br />Treat the kicker at least as well as you do your main motor.

 

[Solittle]

Re: 4 hp kicker motor ok? trolling with a 70?

I'm going with the 9.9 for you. A 4hp won't hack it in any wind.