How long a shaft for kicker 9.9 or 7.5

[jgf27]

Novice boat owner - just bought a 16', deep V, fishing set-up, rated for 5 at 840 lbs, console, 40HP. Transom is 23" at kicker location with 77" beam. Short shaft 9.9 cavitates badly- can't use.
Questions: How deep in water should prop be for uptimum performance?
Will 7.5 or 8 hp be strong enough for trolling or emergency back up to 40 hp or should I stick with 9.9? (like to stay under 10 hp for flexibility in 10hp limit lakes) - used 7.5 & 8 hp seem a lot cheaper??

Thanks.....

 

[wbeaton]

Re: How long a shaft for kicker 9.9 or 7.5

A 7.5 - 8 hp longshaft will do fine. However, I'd just buy a kicker bracket for the 9.9 hp.

 

[jgf27]

Re: How long a shaft for kicker 9.9 or 7.5

Thanks, knowing a 7.5 or 8 will be good enough, that gives me more options to look for. The 9.9 is a neighbor's - he won't let me keep it forever - darn! But - a kicker plate will lower the motor, right? How do I get at the tiller arm/controls, etc. if I lower it????

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: How long a shaft for kicker 9.9 or 7.5

get the long shaft.

 

[wbeaton]

Re: How long a shaft for kicker 9.9 or 7.5

Unfortunately, you'd have to reach for the tiller or get a tiller extension. Since you have to buy a new motor anyway I'd look for a long shaft.