What size kicker?

[TwoBallScrewBall]

I'm thinking of taking a few extra bucks out when I close on my new boat to add a kicker bracket and engine. It's a Wellcraft, 24' overall, 22'6" hull with a 200hp main outboard. What size kicker engine would you put on this rig to get back in from, say, 15-20 miles out if the main engine dies? <br /><br />How much can I expect to pay for this setup, including bracket and hardware? I'd do the labor myself.<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: What size kicker?

A lot of manufacturers seem to make the 6 and 8 weigh the same, and the 9.9's and 15's seem to weigh the same. I'd say go with the 15. Anything bigger/heavier may be putting unnecessary load on transom. As far as getting home from 20 miles out- Sea Tow or Boat US is the best bet. Expecting problems with the new rig???

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: What size kicker?

No, but the biggest problems are usually the ones you don't expect. I've broken down before, and considering I'm going to be a bit more brave with the 23 footer I want to be able to limp in if necessary. <br /><br />I might just rely on sea tow. Still undecided.

 

[Capn Mike]

Re: What size kicker?

As far as I know, the only geared-down kicker is the Yamaha 9.9 high-thrust 4S (if I'm wrong, someone will correct me!). I use one on my 24' Seaswirl, and I don't have to run it more than 3/4 throttle to get to hull speed (about 7.5 mph). I see other brands have sailboat and/or pontoon models, and those make the best kickers.<br /><br />Hull speed on your boat is about 7.4 mph (sq. root of 22.6 X 1.3 [= knots] X 1.2 = mph). No matter how much hp you put on your kicker, it won't go faster than that, so don't waste extra money buying more horsepower than you need.<br /><br />Don't know what kind of fishing you do, but I think the kicker is worth the money. Not only does it provide get-home capability (although, knock on wood, I've never needed it), but my main motor won't go down to the low speeds we need for salmon and steelhead. Plus...I can troll for hours on a gallon or two....try that with your 200.<br />For true get-home capability, the trolling motor should run off its own tank. Mine's hooked up to my main tank, so if I had contaminated fuel, I guess I'd be in trouble.

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: What size kicker?

Mike, that's what I'm looking for. Just something to plow me through the water if something happens. I'm not big into trolling. I'm basically looking for a way to get in. I would use a separate tank, filter and lines. Totally separate system.<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[Solittle]

Re: What size kicker?

Have you thought about twins? - - As in 150s. I don't think you coulds get up on plane with one but it would have the oomph to handle a bit of wind. A smaller one will struggle with wind even if it can move you to hull speed in calm water. I have a 23' Wellcraft with twin 110s.

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: What size kicker?

Not really an option, buying this boat used. But thanks.

 

[cc lancer]

Re: What size kicker?

Out going tide, 3 foot waves, 15 mile per hour wind in your face, and a Wellcraft that has plenty of glass.<br />With a 9.9 HP outboard you might be going back wards, instead of forward. <br />I would call Wellcraft and tell them your intentions, and ask for their recommendations.

 

[Boatist]

Re: What size kicker?

Steve<br />I have a 21 foot Aluminum runabout 2800lb. I have a 15HP 1975 Johnson as a kicker on a lift bracket. This motor is fine for trolling or backing into the big winds and seas to slow one drift when bottom fishing, but to come in it is really too small. Top speed no wind or seas about 5 Mph. With big seas or wind very hard to control. The wind will blow the front around very fast on my boat. With the motor about 3/4 throttle you can turn up into the wind or seas but it turn into the wind or seas very slow.<br /><br />I use a 4 blade high thrust prop on my kicker because it backs so much better, the standard 3 blade does have a little better foward speed but has almost no backing. <br /><br />I looking to up grade to a bigger motor and I want a 4 cycle so can run off a main tank. About the biggest I have found that will fit on a lift braket is the Honda 20 HP. Motor lighter than any other 15 HP four cycle and has several props for larger boats. When in reverse exhaust is vented up above the prop to allow the prop to get a good reverse bite. Motor has a power trim/tilt.

 

[swist]

Re: What size kicker?

Problem with twins is they (usually) run off the same fuel system - if you have a problem there you can lose both engines. A kicker with a totally independent system is probably a somewhat more reliable way to go...<br /><br />Same story with steering.

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: What size kicker?

Sounding like this'll be a little too pricey for me to do right now. Need to save my pennies to feed that 200. <br /><br />Thanks a lot for the advice all! Would have hated to sink the cash in an insufficient kicker.