Question about buying a kicker

[Guest]

I was looking to buy a kicker for my dinghy. Looking for a 2-3.5 lightweight that i can throw in a duffle bag. I am leaning towards a johnson/rude 60s-70s. They seem to be a little mote expensive then the rest and more parts seem to be available via marineengine. Can anyone sway me to look at other brands also? Chrysler. Ted williams, force or merc? I wouldnt mind buying a beat up one also because it would be a little project and would love to see what my effort is capable of

 

[steelespike]

Re: Question about buying a kicker

Can't really suggest anything else from my experience.
The 3 to 4 hp Evinrude/Johnson motors are hard to beat. They cost more for a reason.
They are reasonably light, smooth and quiet.Parts are available at BRP dealers and a large number of vendors
including iBoats.They purr along at next to nothing rpm.If your not pushing too much weight you might get it to plane with a tiller extension. In the 50s the factory said 8.5 mph on a "fast free running hull"

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Question about buying a kicker

If you plan to go back that far stick with the J/E motors, although they aren't great, like you said, parts are available.

I've had a few of the old J/E's, don't buy one that needs much work, although very easy to work on the parts can easily add up to more than the motors worth. The price of newer motors is almost the same, and with newer models the Hondas and Mercs come in to play, both work well.

If you can find a fold-up 4hp J/E you might really like it, plus it was designed for this purpose.

 

[Guest]

Re: Question about buying a kicker

If you plan to go back that far stick with the J/E motors, although they aren't great, like you said, parts are available.

I've had few of the old J/E's, don't buy one that needs much work, although very easy to work on the parts can easily add up to more than the motors worth. The price of newer motors is almost the same, and with newer models the Hondas and Mercs come in to play, both work well.

If you can find a fold-up 4hp J/E you might really like it, plus it was designed for this purpose.

i seen the fold up one's, I love them! they come with there own case and in decent condition i seen them go for 500 on ebay

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Question about buying a kicker

avoid chrysler and ted williams

at that vintage there was always a debate between Merc and OMC but even among the debaters many agreed that the merc was more of a performance motor and the OMC a work horse. However I recall the watermen on the ESVA seaside all running merc's.

"If you want to get there, get a merc. If you want to get home, get an OMC." That 'splains the difference right there.