Re: Engine HP
Got a 2012 9.9 merc pro-kicker on my 20' deep V, Love it. Get 7mph max but also remember at those speeds your a displacement hull going through the water, not "on" it. More HP won't get much more speed than that until you get the hull up on plane, think sailboat. I got the 25" shaft because it doesn't make much difference if the prop is to deep at trolling speed. I thought if/when I should get a different boat with a deeper transom I won't need to buy a new longer shaft trolling motor. True kicker motors have a different gear ratio so you can use a high thrust prop and you will get more control at low speeds, think sailboat again. I fully expect that this motor with proper care will last the rest of my life. Heck, I'm still using an old chrysler 7.5 for duck hunting that was my grandfathers.