15 hp kicker big enough?

[gunner1]

I have a 20' aluminum hull boat that I'm toying with the idea of putting a kicker motor on. Will 15hp be suitable for this? My main purpose is as a backup in case the larger motor fails.

 

[crb478]

Re: 15 hp kicker big enough?

15 will be more than big enough, I would say that an 8-10 would work, but if you have a 15 I would use it. I have an 18 foot CC that is fiberglass and have a 1960 18 hp fasttwin on it as a kicker. I was looking for a 10 but found this one and it does not really weigh much more than a simular 10. It will idle down slow enough for trolling, but moves the boat pretty good if I open it up. If I am not going far I won't even start the big motor to get to the next trolling spot.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 15 hp kicker big enough?

A 15 would be ideal! As mentioned, an 8+ would work and since the 15s from most manufacturers is the same weight as their 9.9s it's like a no brainer to step up to the 15 if you can.

 

[F_R]

Re: 15 hp kicker big enough?

No matter how big a kicker you put on it, it won't plane. So, bigger is not better. Neither will it hurt anything, other than the weight and cost considerations. If you are considering putting it on a bracket, consider the max hp rating of the bracket. If hanging it on the transom, watch the depth. If the prop is not below the bottom, it will ventilate like crazy.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 15 hp kicker big enough?

Yeah, a long shaft would probably be preferable.