Comments on 4 stroke kicker

[Al Kungel]

I am in the market for a 4 stroke, 8 or 9.9 hp., long shaft, rope start kicker to be used on a 17' deep V boat. Looking for a motor that starts easy, runs quietly, with no noticeable smoke and preferably little vibration. What do you recommend? Merc, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Evinrude,Tohatsu or?

 

[Barlow]

Re: Comments on 4 stroke kicker

Hi AIK <br /><br />I'm not the foremost expert here by anymeans but from what I've heard from john-q-public, read, dealers and reps that I've asked have pointed the finger at Bombardier Recreational Products.. specifically Johnson for your application.<br /><br />I'm looking at rigging up a 17.5' - 19' Lund Fisherman or another Pro-V with tiller rigs real soon for a second fishing boat and having done soo much talking and research on my limited knowledge I'm buying Johnson 4-strokes for both main and kicker.<br /><br />- The way I understand it is that they are using the Suzuki Power head (said to be the best from my sources) coupled with Bombardiers technological advancements to create these things.<br />- On the other hand I've got a 9.9 Merc 4-stroke kicker on my current 1890 Pro-V Magnum that has worked flawlessly.<br /><br />I probably make it sound like "12 to one...., dozen to another." But I'm confident in the advice I've recieved about the Johnson 4-strokes.<br /><br />see what follows this ... there are many others here that give great advice. <br /><br />hope this helps and doesn't confuse too much.<br /><br />good luck with the decision

 

[BillP]

Re: Comments on 4 stroke kicker

I don't think brand is a big deal if you have a local dealer for service and parts. One thing to consider is how you store motor. Some of the trailer sailboat guys mention this as noteworthy. If you lay some 4 strokes on the "wrong" side it can get fluids in the "wrong" place. If it stays on the transom there's no problem.

 

[gss036]

Re: Comments on 4 stroke kicker

I run a 15 hp Honda on my 23WA, so I would strongly recommend a 9.9 HP. I know lots of people around here are using Honda or Yamaha.<br />The 8&9.9 Honda is the same engine block w/different tuning on the new engines. Most all the new Mercs are Tohastu,as is Nissan. I would assume that maybe the Yamaha also since Merc and Yamaha has interchaged so many of thier products. Johnson/Suzuki would probably be the same. I would still go back to Honda, it has been real good to me and never let me down in a pinch when the big Merc has quit for some reason. The Hondas has carb so pretty much bullet proof.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Comments on 4 stroke kicker

There is no quality difference from brand to brand. And they all are fairly equal in performance. Other than weight and price you could toss a coin. But, someday you are going to need a tech to do something to it. I would suggest you do the following: Call your local dealers and tell them you bought a new engine three years ago from out of state and now it doesn't start. Ask them how soon they can get to it. Depending on the answer you get, you might be able to narrow down your choices a little. A great deal now might bite you three years down the road.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Comments on 4 stroke kicker

ELVIN is pointing in the right direction. I would also do a look see at the dealer to size up their operation. A dealer who can look at your motor right away could be a good thing - - it could also indicate a dealer that no one in their right mind would use.

 

[gss036]

Re: Comments on 4 stroke kicker

Alk, you are right across the border from me and with all the dealers in the lower mainland area, I don't think service would be an issue. I hear what these guys are saying about service, but the one time I had a broken in the bracket area of my Honda, I called the guy I bought it from and the soonest he would look at it was 2-3 weeks out but he said he had the parts in stock. I fixed it myself, so that can go both ways. I have found a Merc mech here that really treats me right and fixes things for me ASAP. He will put someone elses work on hold a couple days if he knows they really don't need the engine right away. That is the type of mechanic you want to find in your area. Just ask around from all the 1000's of boaters in your area. Just my 2 cents!

 

[C-RAVEN]

Re: Comments on 4 stroke kicker

bought an 1993 8hp honda 4-stroke a year ago<br />i have put countless hours on it, and i runs like a top. easy to maintain and simple to work on.<br /><br />also smoke free, and it will run for a week on 3 gals of gas

 

[Al Kungel]

Re: Comments on 4 stroke kicker

Just to provide a little background, the reason that I am in the market for a 4 stroke kicker is that I had a 2000 8 hp 4 str Evinrude which I sold. It started very well, did not smoke but it vibrated quite a bit at trolling speed and the vibration could be felt in the boat. As far as service goes I know in the Greater Vancouver area that is not a problem. From all of your comments I understand that any of the motors would be okay, but my main concern is that I want an engine that viabrates as little as possible.<br /><br />Keep your comments coming.

 

[BillP]

Re: Comments on 4 stroke kicker

Originally posted by AlK:<br /> Just to provide a little background, the reason that I am in the market for a 4 stroke kicker is that I had a 2000 8 hp 4 str Evinrude which I sold. It started very well, did not smoke but it vibrated quite a bit at trolling speed and the vibration could be felt in the boat. As far as service goes I know in the Greater Vancouver area that is not a problem. From all of your comments I understand that any of the motors would be okay, but my main concern is that I want an engine that viabrates as little as possible.<br /><br />Keep your comments coming.

Try a different prop next time before selling the motor.

 

[Al Kungel]

Re: Comments on 4 stroke kicker

BillP,<br /><br />I tried a different prop - it made no difference. Even while idleing the engine was not running smoothly.

 

[gss036]

Re: Comments on 4 stroke kicker

I have read threads about a vibration on Tohatsu engines and since they seem to be making the majority Merc, Nissan and others, all the more reason to try a Honda. Talk w/someone has one and see if they will let you try it on your boat. Mounting makes a lot of difference. An adjustable bracket is better than a solid mount. I have the adjustible and I don't feel much of anything in my boat. My buddy has a solid mount and I can feel a little bit of vibration on his boat. We both have 15 hp Hondas. I have never tried a Suzuki, maybe that is worth exploring since the 200-250's run as smooth as a sewing maching.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Comments on 4 stroke kicker

Vibration is not a problem on any of the 4-stk engines, unless its a one cylinder. They do rattle a little. Two cylinder and larger engines have a point, somewhere in their lower RPM range, where a vibration may be felt. By advancing the throttle or slowing down a little you can avoid that point. Using the Tohatsu 15 and Honda 15 as examples: The Tohatsu has a rough point at 1675 RPM. The Honda has a rough point at 1450 RPM. Honda makes a great engine. So does everyone else.

 

[garyN]

Re: Comments on 4 stroke kicker

whatever you do DO NOT BUY the yamaha 9.9 four stroke that is made for California. I have had nothing but problems with my 2000 model (same one they made through 2004). Yamaha customer services makes it even worse as they simply are out of date. No e-mail and the phome tree is designed to get you to give up.<br /><br />This 9.9 was never right from day one and all the dealer does is clean the carb and blame me for something. Now it stalls, is dangerous and works so poorly I cannot even sell it. <br /><br />My dealer is finally admitting he cannot fix it - "because in California" the adjustments he needs to make on the carb are sealed off!.<br /><br />There are several poor quality features on the Yamaha and, if I have a chance I will buy a Honda next time. For $2,600.00 I got ripped. <br /><br />If you want more info my direct e-mail is gbn@pacbell.net

 

[garyN]

Re: Comments on 4 stroke kicker

whatever you do DO NOT BUY the yamaha 9.9 four stroke that is made for California. I have had nothing but problems with my 2000 model (same one they made through 2004). Yamaha customer services makes it even worse as they simply are out of date. No e-mail and the phome tree is designed to get you to give up.<br /><br />This 9.9 was never right from day one and all the dealer does is clean the carb and blame me for something. Now it stalls, is dangerous and works so poorly I cannot even sell it. <br /><br />My dealer is finally admitting he cannot fix it - "because in California" the adjustments he needs to make on the carb are sealed off!.<br /><br />There are several poor quality features on the Yamaha and, if I have a chance I will buy a Honda next time. For $2,600.00 I got ripped. <br /><br />If you want more info my direct e-mail is gbn@pacbell.net

 

[Solittle]

Re: Comments on 4 stroke kicker

Alk - You did not mention anything about the desired performance in your requirements. If you have any thoughts about zipping accross the water in a 17' deep V - the 9.9 is not going to cut it no mattter who makes it or if it is 2 or 4 cycle.

 

[Al Kungel]

Re: Comments on 4 stroke kicker

garyN,<br />I am sorry to hear that you are having problems with your 2000 Yamaha 9.9, 4 stroke. Including responses from other boards you are the only one that I heard from that has had major problems with the 9.9 Yamaha.<br /><br />SoLittle,<br />I totally agree that "zipping across the water in a 17' deep V - the 9.9 is not going to cut it no mattter who makes it or if it is 2 or 4 cycle". For getting somewhere fast I have a 115 hp Merc. I will be using the 8 - 9.9 hp as a trolling motor in the salt chuck.<br />---<br />AlK

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Comments on 4 stroke kicker

tohatsu makes the one of the lightest, if not THEE

 

[Capn Mike]

Re: Comments on 4 stroke kicker

Second the opinions on Yamaha being a good choice: I bought a used (the serial # says it's an '88) 4S 9.9 high-thrust which trolls my 23' WA very well. Starts every time and the only vibration is at really slow rpms. Will push the boat (4500 lbs) @ hull speed at 2/3 throttle.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Comments on 4 stroke kicker

I've got a year-old Yammy 8HP High-thrust on my 18ft'r for a kicker, and I can't say I've noticed ANY vibration. I had a 7.5 Johnrude 2-stroke before and the big difference is lack of sound coming from the 4-stroke.