What size

[kenmyfam]

1985 Doral 164. Dry weight 1,000 lbs.
1985 Johnson 140hp. Handbook weight 365lbs.
Average weight on board including people 600 to 800 lb
Total average weight
2,000 to 2200 lbs.
Question,
Looking for a "get me home" kicker and wondering what size to go for. Obviously the speed to get home is not important but having enough "push" to get us there is.
Obviously I would like to keep the weight of the kicker down as much as possible. I would prefer a self contained unit with built in fuel tank as my boat has an aluminum underfloor tank and a VRO in place. It would be far easier to keep a gallon or so of premix on board for the kicker than have a portable tank and fuel line to deal with under normal use. I would also prefer to store the kicker under the bow when not in use as the boat sits low enough at the stern as it is. It is at its max HP rating. Boat is mainly used on Lake St Clair or smaller lakes around Ontario. Primary use of the boat is going for dinner at different marinas around the lake, tubing and ski-ing.
Thanks for any input in advance.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: What size

if not using for trolling, invest in a vhf, a sea anchor, and seatow. most kickers stored under the bow never get used, the gas gets old, the impeller dries out, you drop it overboard, trying to mount it in rough water, the damn thing won't start from sitting. just my 2cents.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: What size

Should have added that it will get some use on a 12ft aluminum occasionally. I have all the mentioned safety equipment, just wanted a little "added" security.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: What size

if not mistaken the 4hp is the largest self contained engine, and won't do much with you boat.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: What size

Are you saying that a 4hp would not get me "home" ??

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: What size

with the wind and waves againts you, i would count on a very very long trip. i put a 2.5 hp with 3 blade prop on my 14 footer just for kicks one calm day. i can swim faster. i use the 2.5hp as an auxillary for my hobie cat 18, just to get it up the canal to dock. it's the biggest motor you can mount on a hobie bracket.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: What size

Thanks for the input. Anyone else have any opinions ??

 

[ondarvr]

Re: What size

I've Used small kickers on boats that size, they work OK, but if the water gets too rough you may not get anywhere. If you do get one of the smaller ones, get a long shaft model, at least the prop will stay in the water that way.
You can get a small 4 stroke and hook it to the main tank.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: What size

Thanks for the input. Found someone with an old 3.5 h.p. Sea King that is willing to let me try it in Spring and buy it if it works out O.K. on my boat. Roll on Spring !!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: What size

thats the things to do.

 

[OBJ]

Re: What size

If your really looking, plan for the "worst case" happening....can't spell scenerio.

With your rig, I would try to get at least a 6hp if your really worried about getting stranded out in bad weather....and that's not even a guarentee that the 6 will do the job.

As tashasdaddy posted, wind, waves and driving rain can push a rig all over the place if not powered right.

 

[davemaxi1970]

Re: What size

I use an old johnny 4hp when my 40hp plays up and it always gets me home (if a little slowly) I always start it on the dock before I leave to make sure it is running with 3 kids on board I take every precaution

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: What size

Thanks for all the input. I will try the old Sea King in Spring and report back how it goes.
Ken