What kicker to get?

[impatico]

I am trying to find a kicker for a 2012 bayliner 175. I want 4 stroke and lightweight as I will be taking it off and on quite a bit. I need a decent alternator as I have a amp'd stereo I would like to listen to while trolling. a built in fuel tank would be a huge plus so I don't have to plumb it into the I/O's fuel tank, and have a hose hanging around when the kicker isn't on.

I am trying to decide on electo steering of some kind, or just attach it to the I/O. But the boat has power steering, so if this is like a car then would I be able to with the I/O not running?

The dealers I have around here are Mercury, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Honda.

thanks

 

[Beefer]

Re: What kicker to get?

I'll second what home cookin' told you in the other thread; use the motor on the boat. You really, really, really don't need a trolling/kicker motor. Besides, there is no such thing as a lightweight 4 stroke.

 

[impatico]

Re: What kicker to get?

120 lbs is lightweight to me lol

going off the fuel economy numbers from the couple guys on that thread:

for a 4 day camping trip, fishing 6 hours a day each day would be 20.5 gallons of fuel, which is 77.25 liters here in Canada lol at $1.35/L thats $105 vs like $10 for a small kicker. so in the long run I really think a kicker will save me fuel, and wear and tear on the I/O

I plan on buying everything right off the bat, and keeping it all for years and years

 

[M9.9]

Re: What kicker to get?

Hi impatico, If your trolling in salt water, or soft water for that matter, Honda came out with a 3hp air cooled engine. When you mention alternator, you jump up the HP and weight and will no dout have to goto water cooled. ONce you up the HP the OEM selection expands. These days most main Outboard OEMs will have something to offer, but I have had good luck with Mercs and older Johnsons.

 

[impatico]

Re: What kicker to get?

It will be fresh water, but might be in the salt once or twice in it's life, but thats it.

I don't have a HP limit, just weight, 150 ish pounds max my local dealer said he can give me a way better deal on Suzuki over Merc, is it worth it? I have only run Merc/Mariner, as well as my father in law.

 

[M9.9]

Re: What kicker to get?

Hi impatico, I have no personal experience w/Suzuki but know they made the fastest motorcycle on earth at one time. In the link below, there is a bunch of specs on various motors, including alternator output, weight and stuff. It may be of some help.

http://www.outboardboatmotors.org/small-outboard-motors

 

[ondarvr]

Re: What kicker to get?

People not familiar with the type of fishing you will be doing keep saying troll with the big motor, don't do it, it will just be a hassle resulting in fewer fish.

Like I said in the other thread, If you want to troll much skip the small light weight single cylinder models, these commonly have the built in tank. The problem is they tend to be loud and they vibrate, it becomes annoying rather quickly on the water.

The best motor for trolling is a Yamaha T8, but they don't make them anymore, stopped about a year ago, but the T9.9 is great too. The Suzuki and Merc work well, they just aren't as well liked as the Yamahas. Running a fuel line is not an issue and you can put a quick disconnect on each end so it can be remove and stored out of sight.

 

[erwinner]

Re: What kicker to get?

It will be fresh water, but might be in the salt once or twice in it's life, but thats it.

I don't have a HP limit, just weight, 150 ish pounds max my local dealer said he can give me a way better deal on Suzuki over Merc, is it worth it? I have only run Merc/Mariner, as well as my father in law.

New small Mercs are made by Tohatsu in Japan (along with Nissans).
I've got a 2010 and it has been a fine motor to me.
But if familiarity in design is an issue... it's not a Merc.
4 strokes are heavy! My 15 weighs a lot. I don't like dealing with it by myself. I like my back too much.