Minimum hp for a kicker for a 14ft Runabout

[ali'i]

The only reason I want to carry a kicker is incase of a breakdown with the main motor, so the less weight the better, but I still need to be able to push the boat against a headwind or current. Any recommendations on minimum hp for a kicker, boat is 30-40 yr old 14ft, fiberglass runabout, closed bow, windshield, etc. not overly heavy, but not a tinny either. main engine about 150 lbs, usually 2 adults, ocassionally 4, etc. Don't want to go bigger than I need, I was thinking 4hp, 2 stroke, or would a 2.5 or 3 suffice, or ??? what about a 2.5 or 3 with a different prop than stock??. p.s don't want one of those old Seagull yacht kickers, thanks

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Minimum hp for a kicker for a 14ft Runabout

you could move the boat with a 36# trolling motor. with the 100# trolling motors that are now available that would be my suggestion.

however a 2.5 or 3hp would be fine.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Minimum hp for a kicker for a 14ft Runabout

I had a 16' boat and 6HP 2-stroke was ideal. I would guess a 4 would be OK, but I wouldn't go smaller.

No matter what you buy, the stock prop will not be acceptable. You need a lower pitch to enable the engine to rev correctly.

With a 2-stroke you need to have enough gas on board to get you where you need to go. Electric motors are Ok, but now you need expensive large batteries and if you need to put the petal to the metal they will go dead in a hurry.

I fish with electric, but get home with gas.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Minimum hp for a kicker for a 14ft Runabout

A 2.5, 3.5 HP engine pushing a non light 14" boat against hard wind or strong currents will probably just stay there, 5+ HP would be much better way to go. If wanting to maximize full wot rpm on that engine must install an induction tach to play with best prop pitch.

Happy Boating

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Minimum hp for a kicker for a 14ft Runabout

I had a little air-cooled 3hp on my 14' tinny and it was just enough to make way against the current in my local river. A 5hp would've been ideal.

 

[wrench 3]

Re: Minimum hp for a kicker for a 14ft Runabout

I used to have a 4hp on an 18 foot plywood cruiser and it did a good job. My last kicker was a 5.5 on a 22 foot fiberglass cuddy and it would hold it into a good wind no problem.

 

[ali'i]

Re: Minimum hp for a kicker for a 14ft Runabout

Still trying to decide on a hp for a kicker, but have a chance at a 1994, 2.5hp Mariner 2 stroke, that weighs 27lbs (I think) would this push my boat home if main motor dies, I like its size as I could even store it up front under the deck, and only mount it if needed, and won't even need a kicker bracket as there is room beside main motor. reminder, boat is a 14ft, runabout, closed bow fiberglass etc, 40 ish yr old, total weight with full load maybe 1400lbs, inland ocean waters only, (not open ocean), but still could have headwinds or minor currents. Any opinions? Thanks, have attatched a pic, but note, motor is now a 2000, 50hp Evinrude

 

[roscoe]

Re: Minimum hp for a kicker for a 14ft Runabout

I would say 5 hp, with the proper shaft length to get the prop below the hull.

We had used a Mercury 3.3 on a 16' aluminum as a backup.

When we needed it, it would not push us up the river against the mild current.
It would "hover" in place, then the boat would turn sideways.

Replaced it with a 5, and it worked well when we tested it.

 

[richardgreen]

Re: Minimum hp for a kicker for a 14ft Runabout

I really don't think you'll be very happy if you go with a 2.5hp. Not enough power to get the job done especially with a little wind or current. I'd suggest a 6hp Johnson or Evinrude 1965 or newer. You can use your existing tank and fuel line, just swap the connection over from your main power when you need it.

I've tried a few different kickers on my heavily loaded 16' tinny. 5hp would be the minimum for me. 6hp runs a bit faster and are very common. Much bigger hp and you won't see more speed anyway since the boat will not plane.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Minimum hp for a kicker for a 14ft Runabout

No disrespect, but with a 2000 Rude, you need not worry about having a kicker.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Minimum hp for a kicker for a 14ft Runabout

Still trying to decide on a hp for a kicker, but have a chance at a 1994, 2.5hp Mariner 2 stroke, that weighs 27lbs (I think) would this push my boat home if main motor dies, I like its size as I could even store it up front under the deck, and only mount it if needed, and won't even need a kicker bracket as there is room beside main motor. reminder, boat is a 14ft, runabout, closed bow fiberglass etc, 40 ish yr old, total weight with full load maybe 1400lbs, inland ocean waters only, (not open ocean), but still could have headwinds or minor currents. Any opinions? Thanks, have attatched a pic, but note, motor is now a 2000, 50hp Evinrude
View attachment 221783View attachment 221784

Now that we see your pics, my advice is to go with a 6 2-stroke. That mariner will disappoint you big time.

 

[freeisforme]

Re: Minimum hp for a kicker for a 14ft Runabout

I ran an older 70hp main motor on my 16' Starcraft aluminum boat and tried both a 3 and 6hp Evinrude 2 stroke as a back up or trolling motor. The 3hp would work 90% of the time but I upgraded after having to use it one day against a 10 mph wind and strong current. It would move the boat upstream but it took two hours to go 1 mile. The 6hp moves the boat along nicely. Having Fwd-N-Rev on the 6hp is nice too when coming in to the boat ramp. I often go back and run the 6hp when loading my boat, both the fact that the 6hp can run shallower and my weight being in the stern allows me to stick the boat on the bunks easier with the bow riding a bit higher.

 

[coolbri70]

Re: Minimum hp for a kicker for a 14ft Runabout

my 15 gets 7mph gps, I premix and both are evinrudes, so I can use the same fuel line for both. if you get a different brand or fuel mix than what you have, then you will have to carry fuel and line for it

 

[anzomcik]

Re: Minimum hp for a kicker for a 14ft Runabout

I had a 14 foot aluminum boat, it had full floor, front and rear casting deck, 2 marine batteries, 10 gallon fuel cell, side console, 40hp main motor and bowmount trolling motor, with two men (400lbs+ combined) and fishing gear my 4hp kicker could move my rig weighted down at 5.5-6mph.

The 4hp was a short shaft on a 20 inch transom. I am not saying your 2.5 would be the best thing in the worst condition, but if that's what you can afford It will probably pull you out of a bad situation, you will not be a rocket but you will make it to shore.

I guess get what you can afford, if you can get a 5-10hp that's better, but if you can only afford a 2-3hp then that's what you get. I would sooner pass on a good deal on a 3hp and save my money for a good running 6hp. again I don't know your constraints.

 

[HarborRat]

Re: Minimum hp for a kicker for a 14ft Runabout

You'll be fine with a 2hp. It has nothing to do with money. For it's lightweight and stowability you can't go wrong. You won't break any speed records, but it will definitely get you home if your main engine fails. Been there, done that. Beats paddling! Try the stock prop first, it will most likely be fine. If it doesn't rev enough just pay a prop shop $40 to take out some pitch.

PS, those small motors are so easy to sell on CL....if you don't like it it will sell in a day.

 

[rivvy]

Re: Minimum hp for a kicker for a 14ft Runabout

You need to take into account tides and currents when choosing an auxilliary motor.A 2.5hp motor may be adequate for a calm lake but if bucking wind and waves may not keep your bow seaward never mind making headway.I would recommend a two cylinder 2-stroke johnson in the 6-8hp range they weigh around 60lbs-about the same as a single cyl. four-stroke of the same hp.

 

[HarborRat]

Re: Minimum hp for a kicker for a 14ft Runabout

You need to take into account tides and currents when choosing an auxilliary motor.A 2.5hp motor may be adequate for a calm lake but if bucking wind and waves may not keep your bow seaward never mind making headway.I would recommend a two cylinder 2-stroke johnson in the 6-8hp range they weigh around 60lbs-about the same as a single cyl. four-stroke of the same hp.

My 2 cylinder 4hp Evinrude weighed 38lbs. It was more than enough to push my 24'er even against the wind. On a 14'er it would probably hit 6mph easily.

What many aren't realizing is that this is for get-it-home-at-any-speed backup. Most 2-4hp motors have a built in gas tank. That is a huge plus...If the problem with the main engine is fuel delivery related popping another motor on the transom and plugging in the gas line won't help a darn thing.

Sure, if you are caught in a 60mph gale you might have a problem...but that is rare that you'd be out there in the first place. Even with all the backups in the world I'd still highly recommend a tow service such as Seatow or Boat US.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Minimum hp for a kicker for a 14ft Runabout

No disrespect, but with a 2000 Rude, you need not worry about having a kicker.

I agree. Motors are a whole lot more reliable now.

I do not subscribe to the idea of carrying a spare motor for back-up for most small boats in most recreational boating conditions, and the OP said "The only reason I want to carry a kicker is incase of a breakdown...."

it's different if you needed a trolling motor for fishing, as its primary function, and the back-up is just a bonus.

You are adding weight, taking up room and spending big bucks. Your spare motor won't be there for you unless you run it often--which will be a hassle. Leaving it lying on its side under the deck in salt water is a recipe for problems.

And if your main motor gives you a problem, it will likely be from the fuel, so would you carry a seperate fuel tank and hose? Keep that fuel fresh and treated and the tank maintained?

Plus small outboards are thief magnets.

I see hundreds of boats in my area where most boaters are experienced boaters. No one puts a spare OB on a 14' boat.

Not worth it.