What kicker motor should i buy?

[vandy21]

you may have seen or already offered me your advice in my other forum "kicker motor tiller steering". If you did you will know that i am looking to buy a used kicker motor for my 18 foot bayliner. We already established that it should be between 5-10hp (preferably 7.5-10hp). The motor will be used as a backup motor as well as a trolling motor, so it should be reliable. I was originally looking at a 7.5hp gamefisher because it was super cheap and local, but after taking into account that my main engine is a force which will undoubtedly quit at some point i decided against it because i don't want two broken motors when im stuck in the middle of the lake . so now i am stuck with the question "what is the best kicker motor for the price?". it needs to be cheap, reliable, and have easy to find parts. also if you know where i could find one (other than ebay which i am constantly checking) please let me know

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: What kicker motor should i buy?

Thats quite the requirement list !! does not go with the "cheap" thing too well.
Go for something Johnson / Evinrude in my opinion. The price you end up paying will not seem important at all if you are floating on the lake without any power !!

 

[Frugal Floater]

Re: What kicker motor should i buy?

Give us your price range so we can decide if you can afford a new kicker...Google Tohatsu outboard...the second listing will likely have your cheapest new option that is not junk (can't post links here).

If looking used, I have posted my reservations about buying online from non-local retailer. See copied post below:

I am a big ebay fan, but would be hesitant to purchase an outboard on ebay. Outboards are big ticket items and you are throwing the dice ordering from a person who lives x miles away. Sellers have to pay listing costs and a percentage of the sale, and that will ultimately show up in the list price. Here are some of the concerns I had ordering an outboard from ebay:

1. It is likely you can't personally inspect the motor
2. Most don't have video of it starting and running
3. Most don't have compression test results
4. Shipping will add big bucks to the cost
5. Shipping a used motor can be a problem if not boxed properly and fluid issues are not addressed
6. A lot of boat stuff on ebay may have been derived from storm damaged stores...Not good if motor was submerged in even a tiny bit of salt water
7. If they scam you on a crappy motor, it is difficult to get your money back

I would look in your penny pincher book or craigs list first so you can see the motor first hand..maybe you can make sale final after motor get a compression test from a mechanic. I would also favor a motor that was on a boat that was trailered rather than sitting at a marina...If it is at a marina, chances are it was not flushed with fresh water after every use. My 2 cents.

 

[Frugal Floater]

Re: What kicker motor should i buy?

If you spend the extra cash on a larger kicker (>6HP) for more mph, you are payiing a lot more for little benefit. You are boating on relatively small PA lakes and the price of outboards go up exponentially once they can't be shipped via traditional ground shipping. Many online dealers buy small outboards in great volumes that can be shipped using non freight shipping...Their volume discounts save you money. You won't gain much speed going with higher HP kicker as you will not plane and will just push water ahead of your boat. Kickers closer to 9.9 will offer a slightly quieter ride as they have 2 cylinders, but the new single cylinders are pretty quiet (I have one). I would go with a 5-6 HP new motor....Thats my opinion.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: What kicker motor should i buy?

and i disagree, 9.5 or 9.9hp on an 18 footer, will get you home, with a head wind and waves. go with one of the big 3 brands for parts availability.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: What kicker motor should i buy?

All brands have equal parts availability...Dealer proximity to you may be an issue. Since you are looking for a used engine your best bet would be an engine less than ten years old, used in freshwater, with a local dealer within 150 feet of your house. Used engines come in all shapes, sizes and condition. It's a crap shoot as to what you wind up with, but brand wise you can't go wrong with any of the brand name engines. Mercury, Tohatsu/Nissan, Yamaha, Evinrude, Honda and Suzuki all make and have made good, reliable small outboards forever. Just roll the dice and pick one.

Elvin
InternetOutboards

 

[vandy21]

Re: What kicker motor should i buy?

Hey thanks a lot to everyone. I think what i am going to try to look for is a fairly recent 7.5-10hp kicker used in freshwater made by any of the companies that are still in existence today.

 

[Rancherlee]

Re: What kicker motor should i buy?

Evinrude/Johnson 7.5 or 8hp IMO, the 9.9 takes a decent jump in weight. Great little engines and craigslist is flooded with them in the 350-500$ range.

 

[vandy21]

Re: What kicker motor should i buy?

thanks that sounds perfect

 

[Solittle]

Re: What kicker motor should i buy?

Her in Florida the Johnny/Rude 9.9 long shaft is kinda a standard. (any year) I have a 1975 & have used it on a 19 & 27 1/2'er.

 

[vandy21]

Re: What kicker motor should i buy?

i believe the transom of my boat is about 24" and i was wondering if i put an adjustable outboard bracket on it, if a 20" shaft would work. basically does the bracket lower it into the water or just raise it out? (sorry if this a a dumb question)