Does anyone run a kicker motor for security?

[JoLin]

Hi, all

Recently bought a 21' Pro-Line walkaround cuddy with a '97 175hp on it. Haven't used it yet except for the test ride. Powerhead was rebuilt a couple years ago (and looks like it). Compression is acceptable- 102 to 115 lbs all around. Motor has started and run well on the muffs numerous times now. It's now decarbed and winterized (thanks to this forum), and I'll be rebuilding the water pump shortly. In the Spring I plan to do a link 'n sync and generally get things buttoned up as well as I possibly can.

Being a first-time boat owner with a used boat and motor, I'm leery of trusting the Johnson as my sole source safety on the Great South Bay. I'll be buying tow insurance, but I also know from 54 years' life experience that if the Johnson breaks down, it'll be at the worst possible time. My boating days as a kid with Dad gave me a healthy respect for how quickly things can "go bad" out there. Do any of you also mount a kicker motor primarily as a backup to the main?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Does anyone run a kicker motor for security?

We boat on a river at our family cabin and whenever we are down there by ourselves (as in no other family members have boats in the water) I carry a 4HP outboard with me. I have a really wide transom and could hang it on there next to my big outboard. This year however I added a kicker bracket. I don't use it for anything except insurance. I think just having the backup motor in the boat keeps the big motor running

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Does anyone run a kicker motor for security?

a 6-10 hp would make a good troller, and back up motor. use separate fuel source. so if main fuel gets contaminated, the back up still has good fuel. besure to run back up motor also to keep it tip top.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Does anyone run a kicker motor for security?

JoLin, I have a similar boat setup to yours. I debated getting a kicker for the same reasons. I ultimately decided against it because:

The BoatUS and TowBoat towing boats hang out in all the likely breakdown spots in the bay and inlet. They are available on the radio and cell phone as well. I also try to keep the motor in good working order.

The kicker would likely be a target for thieves, when I take the boat anywhere, and maybe perhaps at my dock as well. Consequently I would be removing the kicker or installing the kicker, depending on where I am going. In addition, if I had the kicker installed for a fishing trip, and I wanted to stop at the beach, I would be afraid it would be stolen.

I thought the kicker would be a better solution for trolling, by running smoother and using less gas. However, the amount of trolling I do would never pay back the cost of the kicker ($2K) in fuel savings, in a reasonable amount of time. $2K is also a lot of towing bills, as well.

BTW - if you do decide to get a kicker, if your main motor has oil injection, you will want a 4 cycle kicker, so you can share fuel. otherwise you need to lug a seperate fuel tank and the correct amount of fuel. This is a real PIA!

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Does anyone run a kicker motor for security?

Almost every boat from 16' to 26' in my area has a kicker , mostly for trolling, but frequently for getting back to the dock too.

Plus while there are tow services available, it can take a while for them to get there and in some areas that might be several hours, by that time you could be back to the dock on your own.

In 40 years of boating I've had reeds break, power packs die and other things happen that would be very difficult to prevent, plan for, or fix on the water. When I had a kicker on the boat it was no problem, just start it up and head back. The few times I didn't, I was kicking myself for not having one with me.

When I'm fishing in remote areas like the West side of Vancouver Island in Canada, I carry a spare 3.3 merc stowed away plus the kicker.

They can be stolen, but use good locks and bolt it down, that will at least slow them down.

 

[bassboy1]

Re: Does anyone run a kicker motor for security?

As Tdaddy mentioned, you need to keep a kicker in tip top shape. One of the worst things you can do to an outboard, aside from running it without oil, is to not run it at all. If you don't run your kicker at least once a month, you may as well not carry it, as misuse will make it not run. I would suggest buying a lil jon boat, or zodiac to play around with, so the kicker gets more use.

 

[gss036]

Re: Does anyone run a kicker motor for security?

I am of the opinion that every boat needs a kicker for back up. If you are in an area where the tide changes are as drastic as we have here in the islands in the northwest. If your main engines dies and the the tide is running, it can move you at 4-5 mph and that is a long ways when there are islands and shoals around. Some times you might have enough rope to throw out an anchor, maybe?
I have had to use mine twice in 17 years, but sure was happy to have it, plus, I do mostly trolling for fishing in the islands.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Does anyone run a kicker motor for security?

As usual, good points from everybody. Chris, I definitely hear ya about the theft thing. One of the less enjoyable features of life on Long Island.

I'll probably do what I had in the back of mind anyway- keep my eyes open for a too-good-to-refuse deal on a small motor. If and when I ever find it I'll snap it up. In the meantime, I'll just keep on truckin' (boatin' ?) with my oil and fuel line replacement project, get that motor running like a top in the Spring, etc.

Thanks, all!

 

[1730V]

Re: Does anyone run a kicker motor for security?

It's like having tools aboard. If you do, you won't need them.

Your boat is not light. A 6 HP is really going to struggle, it may not give you any headway in a breeze.

I go by the 10% rule. Get a kicker that is 10% of your big engines HP.

In your case a minimum of 15 with the right prop or a "Bigfoot" type made for pushing heavy loads.

As an example, on a 17' with a 70 HP, we have an 8 HP kicker. We've never had to use it in an emergency but it does push the boat very well.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Does anyone run a kicker motor for security?

I've got a 15 HP on my 22' Grady White that I use for slow trolling Stripers. If the water kicks up or there is heavy tide to contend with the 15HP has problems just making headway. I certainly wouldn't want to rely on it for getting home from 15-20 miles out.

Much quicker and easier to call Boat US or Seatow to come get my butt if that is the case.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Does anyone run a kicker motor for security?

but the kicker will keep the bow to the waves, if it is rough. also a sea anchor is a good thing to have off shore, or big water.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Does anyone run a kicker motor for security?

I wouldn't use less than a 9.9 on your rig.

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: Does anyone run a kicker motor for security?

man I gotta get my butt in gear..... I even have a spare 9.8 Merc and a kicker bracket that I just haven't got around to mounting 'cause the kicker bracket just needs the wood replaced.. I so want to get it on there. there are days on this lake where there might be 1 other boat go by me all day, especially if it's a week day. no seatow (?) around here.... would be a lonely gig that....

now.... I don't want to carry a fuming outboard tank of mixed gas around in my i/o boat... so I have an old metal 2gallon jerry can (heavy aluminum type with spring loaded lid). My plan is to drill and tap the top of the can and install a female Merc coupler. Then.... install a vent line through my hull that can attach with a hose and male coupler while the tank is on board stored behind a jump seat so it vents like an inboard tank.

then tap a second fitting in for the fuel line with a drop line inside that would pick up fuel and connect to the outboard when I need it.

thoughts on that plan?

 

[njlarry]

Re: Does anyone run a kicker motor for security?

Are we talking about a kicker on an IO or outboard?
Two very different things.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Does anyone run a kicker motor for security?

Why carry around separate gas or go through the trouble of hooking up another gas tank? Just carry sufficient 2 cycle oil. If my main engine went out to the point where I needed the kicker, I would just add oil to the main tank. Draining the oil mix later would probably be the least of my problems.

I have a non injected outboard so I don't need to worry about proper fuel mix and I made up an adapter so the kicker could draw from the main tank.

The one time I used it I broke a prop shaft in the channel. Took me 2 hours to get back to the dock, but I got there. Didn't need to listen to my wife wondering if the tow would come and what the hell were they waiting for etc. Told her to just sit in the back and enjoy the slow cruise. That 25 dollar engine paid for itself many times over with just that one use and more importantly, in keeping the boss quiet.

 

[BillP]

Re: Does anyone run a kicker motor for security?

I had a 20' Proline cuddy (pre walkaroud era) and had a 7.5hp kicker for going offshore but not for cruising inland waters. We had to use it one time. 35 miles out in the Gulfstream on a very calm day and it was a LONG ride in. In anything other than near flat calm conditions the kicker was way to small to make headway...so I agree with others, do 15hp minimum and 25 hp is better.

These days I do unlimited service with TowBoatsUS and leave the small kickers at home...however, I carry a spare VHF and battery. TowBoatsUS has a fast response time of about one hr.

 

[yukonpike]

Re: Does anyone run a kicker motor for security?

Up here in Alaska where I live we do not have the ability to call a service for help. Where I go on the Yukon river it could be a week or more before another person might come by. I use a ten hp to get me back to a place where there is a chance of a boat coming by once a week. Up here it is make sure are ready for anything. I had a small motor on my old boat that did help me and my ten year old daughter get back to the landing due to water in the gas. Different tanks.