what hp for kicker

[junior1113]

have a 93 21' hydra sport deep v 200 hp 4000lb setup and would be in 2-4 ft seas and would have for an emergency only i have a 68' merc 6 hp thinking to small for fighting waves. i also have a 72 9.8 merc w/ thunderbolt ignition runs good any knowledge on kickers appreciated they both push my jon good

 

[ondarvr]

Re: what hp for kicker

Where do you go boating? it can make a big difference in your choice.

The 6 won't cut it, but the 9.8 might with the right prop.

A high thrust 8, 9.9 or 15hp will do the job, but the cost will be much higher.

 

[marine4003]

Re: what hp for kicker

less than 15 and you'll go nowhere in any kind of wind or sea's. 15 to 20 will suffice.

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: what hp for kicker

For the size of your boat, you need at least a 15 HP. In the Gulf of Mexico, I've used a 9.9 and a 15. The 15 was much better when the tide was running or the waves got up.

 

[junior1113]

Re: what hp for kicker

this 9.8 has way more power than a john/rude 15 all day

 

[P 0 P E Y E]

Re: what hp for kicker

Maintain your primary power plant and a kicker won't be needed as often.

Use a smaller engine and stow it. An extra engine mounted on your transom is extra wear and tear.

Make sure you have a good anchor and rhode to hold you while you find out what went wrong.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: what hp for kicker

QUOTE=junior1113;2129836]this 9.8 has way more power than a john/rude 15 all day[/QUOTE]

What makes you think that is true?


Here in the NW almost every boat has a kicker and I have 4 kickers to choose from when I go out, and I've used all sizes in most conditions on boats from 6' to 26'.

Even boats up to 26' use Yamaha T8's here with great results, a standard thrust 8 is no where near as good and you would need much more HP to match a high thrust model. Some have upgraded from T8s to high thrust 9.9s and 15s and while there is a difference, it may not be as much as you think.

A stowed motor may be of little value when you really need it and can be downright dangerous to try and mount in good weather, let alone in bad conditions when it seems most problems occur.

The part about where you boat is very important.

 

[marine4003]

Re: what hp for kicker

this 9.8 has way more power than a john/rude 15 all day

Huh? 5 more hp is 5 more hp..= more thrust. The only to have LESS thrust from a 15 over a 10 is to underprop.

 

[joed]

Re: what hp for kicker

There two theories on kickers.
1. Go smaller so that when trolling with it you are not running at idle you have RPMs.
2. Go larger so that you can use it as an emergency get home backup.