Kicker Motor Size

[jd438]

I have 89 Sylvan Deep V aluminum boat with a 70hp merc, and just can't get it to go slow enough for some of the trolling I wan to do. Any suggestions on kicker motor size for this boat? It has full interior, and live well, so it isn't a light aluminum boat. Also do those trolling plates you put on your outboard work at all?

 

[FishnMike]

Re: Kicker Motor Size

An 8hp trolling motor that is designed for trolling, such as the Yamaha T-8 or other brand that is "high thrust" would work fine.

Trolling plates do work, had one on my 60 Merc before I put a kicker on. But they can reduce your top end speed due to drag and are kind of a pain in the butt since you have to raise and lower it all the time. Additionaly, if you troll a lot putting hours on a motor designed for it and costs less might be better than putting them on your big engine.

FishnMike

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Kicker Motor Size

have you tried trolling in reverse? could save a bunch of $$$.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Kicker Motor Size

You didn't say what size boat it is, anything in the 6, 8, 9.9hp range will work fine. Stay away from single cylinder models and the high trust versions are better for trolling, but if you plan to use it on a smaller boat in the future a regular thrust model might be a better choice. Some of the 15's use the same block as a 9.9, so they'll work well too, other 15's use a much a bigger motor and wouldn't work well on a medium size hull.

 

[jd438]

Re: Kicker Motor Size

It is a little over 16 foot, sorry about that.

 

[rats1955]

Re: Kicker Motor Size

I have a 5HP on my 17 foot alum boat. I would get another that size if it died. It is enough power and it not real heavy.