Brand of kicker motor

[muskrat808]

Ok ,Looking at kicker motor for 18 ' Starcraft Holiday 1972 I/O . Leaning torward Merc 8-9.9 hp since shift controls on tiller handle . Everyone else ( Yamaha , Tohatsu . Honda etc . ) have separate shift controls not on handle . Seems like handle shift would be a lot better . What are everyone's experience and opinion on this ? Thanks Thanks for the replies,but question never really answered. So I'll try again . What are your opiniopns on tiller shift control ( Merc ) vs non tiller shift control ( most other makers ). Convenience-wise seems tiller control way to go ( especially with tiller extension ) but only Merc has it ( patent issue ? ) Thanks again

 

[Bail-A-Matic]

Re: Brand of kicker motor

Suzuki has a shifter on handle on some of their outboards called multifunction handle. It would be nice if you would use it a lot.

 

[JEBar]

Re: Brand of kicker motor

Seems like handle shift would be a lot better

we are in search of a kicker for our 18' Sea Pro .... largely because it is the only one we can find made in the USA, we are leaning toward Evinrude's 15 hp E-TEC .... I believe their tiller steer version has the shift controls on he handle http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|215570|1794283|1794306&id=1800820

Jim

 

[pootnic]

Re: Brand of kicker motor

Probably do the trick but if I bought a 200lbs motor,for a 18' boat...I'd want it to plane it..

 

[grzzzz]

Re: Brand of kicker motor

I have a 9.9 on my butt end. It is 90lbs. I wouldn't go any heavier. It's like having a fat lady set on the transom.

grzzzz

 

[d.boat]

Re: Brand of kicker motor

Been using a Merc 9.9 4 stroke for two seasons now, but to be honest, probably only 80-100 hours. I have no doubt that all the major manufacturers make super kickers - it's not the running qualities that distinguished them for me, it was the weight and local price.

The weight was especially important to me as the purpose of the 9.9 rather than a 15 or 20 is so I can handle it. I might be mistaken, but the Merc/Tohatsu 9.9 is significantly lighter than the others, I think nearly 15 lbs lighter than the esteemed Honda. The local dealers of Honda and Yamaha are so proud of their products they are several hundred higher than the local merc dealer - and although there is probaby debate as to the "best" in this range, I have never seen anything that would indicate that the Merc is a slouch or that the others are all that much better to justify the weight and cost penalty. I'll bet it will outlive me (late 50s!), maybe the Honda or Yamaha would outlive my kids?

Very, very happy. Love the tiller handle gear control. Very easy to start, quiet, smooth, odor free. But again, other than the control, I'm pretty sure I'd be giddy about any new 4 stroke kicker after messing with 70s and 80s vintage 2 strokes for the last 10 years!

 

[muskrat808]

Re: Brand of kicker motor

Thanks for the info.