Re: recommend a kicker engine?
I have a 20' boat with the older 9.9 Johnson that works great. Its light weight, stone reliable, doesn't require a battery to start, there are tons out there. I run it off its own tank, as my outboard is oil injected. The plus side, is that if you run into a fuel problem, your on a different source from the main tank. I also have a connecting rod, so I can steer from the helm. The 15 horse is the identical motor with a couple minor differences. The only downside is that its a bit louder than newer motors. You also have to go back to the motor to throttle up/down and change gear. Most I see around me are 500 to 700 (for a really clean one) Often I see a boat, motor, and trailer for only a couple hundred more than just the motor itself!
