17' runabout-what size kicker

[mystro]

I thought I'd buy a new kicker for my vintage 17' seaswirl runabout since I'm using it mostly for fishing now days. Is there a rule of thumb or guide on how much HP is optimum for economy and maneuverability..it'll mostly be using on the snake and columbia rivers and some NW lakes..the rivers usually move at approx 5mph.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 17' runabout-what size kicker

the boat has a max hp plate on it. don't exceed.

 

[mystro]

Re: 17' runabout-what size kicker

the boat has a max hp plate on it. don't exceed.

The max is 10hp 4strk but my question was..can I get by with a smaller
size under those conditions and hull type? I also noticed a 6hp 4strk burns
almost 1/2 what a 9.x burns at 5000rpm. In other words..what's the smallest
most efficient I can run on *this boat.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 17' runabout-what size kicker

on a 17 foot boat i would not go below 10 hp. just fighting the wind and current could be rough with a smaller motor. i'd rather have the 10hp, and not use it all. safety first.

 

[Chief101]

Re: 17' runabout-what size kicker

I thought I'd buy a new kicker for my vintage 17' seaswirl runabout since I'm using it mostly for fishing now days. Is there a rule of thumb or guide on how much HP is optimum for economy and maneuverability..it'll mostly be using on the snake and columbia rivers and some NW lakes..the rivers usually move at approx 5mph.

I've got a 7.5 on a 17' aluminum boat and could go more easily. I would think that you could handle a 15 easily.

 

[mystro]

Re: 17' runabout-what size kicker

15hp kicker seems too big for a 17' for some reason but I'll certainly consider it or maybe a 10hp..I guess the smaller 6 is just not enough for certain conditions.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: 17' runabout-what size kicker

15hp kicker seems too big for a 17' for some reason but I'll certainly consider it or maybe a 10hp..I guess the smaller 6 is just not enough for certain conditions.

If you are talking a "max" of 10hp for that boat then I would be going with the max. As has been said earlier, having available power and not needing it is better than needing it, not having it and being steered by the conditions and not your outboard.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 17' runabout-what size kicker

i would like to see a picture of this 17 foot boat that is only rated for a 10hp, i find it hard to believe, even on an open boat. use the go advanced, the manage attachments.

 

[mystro]

Re: 17' runabout-what size kicker

i would like to see a picture of this 17 foot boat that is only rated for a 10hp, i find it hard to believe, even on an open boat. use the go advanced, the manage attachments.

It's not the boat but the kicker mounting bracket which is rated 10hp 4strk max sorry for the confusion.

 

[Chief101]

Re: 17' runabout-what size kicker

15hp kicker seems too big for a 17' for some reason but I'll certainly consider it or maybe a 10hp..I guess the smaller 6 is just not enough for certain conditions.

10/15hp Evinrudes are the same weight that's why I say the 15. It shouldn't get you more than maybe 12-16mph max and you can still troll. On my 17' jetsled a 7.5hp will barely get me past 5mphmax. Chief Chief.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: 17' runabout-what size kicker

It's not the boat but the kicker mounting bracket which is rated 10hp 4strk max sorry for the confusion.

Well if it is the kicker bracket that is rated at 10hp then although a larger hp motor may be the same weight you have the added consideration of extra stress on the bracket with the more powerful motor.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: 17' runabout-what size kicker

Most any motor 10HP or under will work OK, but not all of them will work great.

The single cylinder models are louder and vibrate more, it can be very annouying after even a short period of time. If you troll on small lakes then HP will make little difference, if you're on more open water then go bigger.

A long shaft will give you better controll in rough water because the prop will stay in the water.

 

[mystro]

Re: 17' runabout-what size kicker

Thanks all..I hope this thread was helpful to others, I ended up buying
a lightly used 98 8hp Johnson but what is weird is it measures 17" not the usual 15 or 20"....the original owner mentioned this on the phone but I thought he just mismeasured but it seems to be true...anyone else seen this. Was this a OMC better idea?