I would like to know if reducing the size and pitch of my kicker motor prop will help to keep my boat on a straighter course while trolling at low speeds (1.5 to 2.2 mph). I am often blown well off course while trolling and have to start my main motor up to get back on course, hold course, or turn around. Starting my main motor is aggravating, wastes time and fuel, and doesn?t allow me to maintain the slow speeds for trolling.
I have a 1988, 18-ft, center console Starcraft with an aluminum hull. The boat weighs approximately 850 lbs. My main motor is a 1989, 110 hp, 2-stroke, Evinrude with a stainless steel prop. My kicker motor is a 1990, 6 hp, 2-stroke, Evinrude, Model E6RESR, that is equipped with an 8.5" x 9" aluminum prop.
I really like my kicker motor, it was relatively inexpensive, it is quiet, fuel efficient, fits my boat very well, and allows me to easily troll at low speeds, until there?s a stiff wind that is. I often fish alone and stand/sit near the stern, so the bow rides a little higher out of the water than when I have company in the boat. I understand there are limitations for the size of my boat and that keeping the bow low will help with boat control, nonetheless, I am wondering if the smaller prop, like the available 8"x7" will help give me more control over the boat at slow trolling speeds when the wind kicks up and begins blowing me off course.
Help and/or comments would be appreciated.
Thank you
I have a 1988, 18-ft, center console Starcraft with an aluminum hull. The boat weighs approximately 850 lbs. My main motor is a 1989, 110 hp, 2-stroke, Evinrude with a stainless steel prop. My kicker motor is a 1990, 6 hp, 2-stroke, Evinrude, Model E6RESR, that is equipped with an 8.5" x 9" aluminum prop.
I really like my kicker motor, it was relatively inexpensive, it is quiet, fuel efficient, fits my boat very well, and allows me to easily troll at low speeds, until there?s a stiff wind that is. I often fish alone and stand/sit near the stern, so the bow rides a little higher out of the water than when I have company in the boat. I understand there are limitations for the size of my boat and that keeping the bow low will help with boat control, nonetheless, I am wondering if the smaller prop, like the available 8"x7" will help give me more control over the boat at slow trolling speeds when the wind kicks up and begins blowing me off course.
Help and/or comments would be appreciated.
Thank you