how to size the kicker motor?

[woodrat]

I'm trying to figure out what size of kicker to get fot my "new" boat. I had a 9.9 on my last boat, a 16' open aluminum skiff, and it was really too big for the job. You had to just idle it to troll slow enough. I'm trying for a motor than is a better troller than that, and that can still serve as an emergency backup if need be. Is there a formula? any advice? the "new" boat is a 19' glass bellboy, with a 120 mercruiser I/O.<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[ob]

Re: how to size the kicker motor?

Can you get the 9.9 back? <br /><br />Don't know of any formula,but a 9.9 kicker sounds about right for trolling that 19 footer.The right prop selection is key to the engine rpm and trolling speed.

 

[woodrat]

Re: how to size the kicker motor?

Actually, I haven't sold the old boat yet, and I've thought of keeping that motor. It is a super long shaft, a little more than I need, but still, I could probably make it work. I just wasn't sure if it was a a good fit or not.

 

[ratracer]

Re: how to size the kicker motor?

A 9.9 would be a good fit, I wouldn't want to go much smaller then that. As OB implies the worst you'd have to do is to replace the prop with one with a different pitch.<br /><br />A smaller motor would work fine for when it is calm but you need the extra power when heading into the wind or with a crosswind, or when the water is choppy. <br /><br />I use a 9.8 for my troller and my boat when wet is probably a good 800 lbs lighter than yours, when it is calm my minimum speed is between 1.0-1.1 MPH as measured by GPS.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: how to size the kicker motor?

Keep the 9.9, a 19' I/0 is a heavy boat. A simple prop change will make a big difference, it would have worked with your other boat too. If you are trolling at Wind river or Drano lake, most guys use a drift sock even with small motors.

 

[woodrat]

Re: how to size the kicker motor?

Thanks a bunch. I will see if I can work with that long shaft and keep the old yamaha. Everywhere I look I see people asking 800-900 for old 80's hondas, so the yamaha looks like a pretty good deal, and it is a nice motor.

 

[mjbrueck]

Re: how to size the kicker motor?

Definitely use some of the money you just saved (by not replacing your kicker) to buy a trolling prop (low pitch and possibly a little larger diameter). Not only will it allow you to troll at a lower speed, if you ever use it to get you home you won't be lugging the motor.