large enough kicker

[cuzner]

I am looking to rig up a sea ray sundancer for trolling. The boat is 23ft long and weighs 4200lb dry. I was thinking of putting a 5 hp b&s 4 stroke air cooled motor on. Question is- is this enough hp? And will I be working an air cooled engine to hard? trolling speed I'll be looking for is between 1 and 6 mph.Any suggestions help appreciated, this is new territory for me.<br /><br /> Jim

 

[JB]

Re: large enough kicker

Hi, Jim.<br /><br />I assume that you fish fresh water only. The B&S is not a salt water engine.<br /><br />I also don't think 5hp is enough, even for just trolling. I suggest looking at a 9.9 or 15hp.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: large enough kicker

Agree with JB. B&S also is a short shaft, do you have a transom bracket? I'm not crazy about these motors. Spend the extra dough and get a 9.9 Merc or Yammy. You will be alot happier in the long run. My2c.

 

[gss036]

Re: large enough kicker

I run a 23WA and had a 9.9 and then moved up to a 15hp. You can gwt by w/9.9 hp but get a 4 stroke with a high thrust prop. Yamaha/Merc/ Honda/ Suzuki or Nissan. If you go 2 stroke, try the new Evinrude E-Tec. I haven't run one but read that they are great. The E-Tec is made by Bombadier in Canada.

 

[cuzner]

Re: large enough kicker

Thanks for your reply guys.I have a swim platform,I'm going to have to get a mount for.The reason I was looking to put a smaller-lighter one on is because I'll have to remove it on a regular basis. I'll also be using the boat to dive from,and will need the space to get in and out of the water.<br /><br /> Jim

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: large enough kicker

Biggest problem for the B&S is you need a lower pitch prop for "lugging" or it WILL overheat.

 

[Ronald1]

Re: large enough kicker

The B&S engine is LOUD! I go to the water to get away from things like the sound of a lawn mower engine. If you intend to relax on the water buy a real outboard. The air cooled B&S uses it's flywheel as a cooling fan and may overheat if lugged.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: large enough kicker

I have a 4 hp two stroke Evinrude mounted on my swim platform on my 16 ft bowrider. Works ok execept 3 mph top speed! Better than paddling I suppose!

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: large enough kicker

Nothing less than a 15 HP on that size boat will make you happy and if you ever really need it to get back to port, you will appreciate it, especially if a storm comes up... That's ALOT of weight even for a 15 to push. If it were me, I'd look at a 20HP... It will work less in the long run and live longer..

 

[JasonJ]

Re: large enough kicker

I use a 5.5 horse (2 stroke) on my 16.5 footer and it gets it done, I can't imagine that same motor doing anything but just burning gas on a 24 footer. Definatley go with a larger kicker.