'Kicker' motor advice

[BobGlover]

I need some advice:

I've got a 1751 Polarcraft with a 50 hp. long shaft TLDI Nissan tiller motor that I use for the larger lakes here in Arkansas. However, most of my fishing is done on a smaller lake with a 10 hp. motor limit. My 'small lake' boat is powered by a 9.9 Nissan short shaft 4 stroke. I've thought about mounting the 9.9 on my 17 ft. boat as a 'kicker', and using it on the smaller lake, then removing it when I go to the bigger lakes. I could use the same gas tank, etc. Does this make sense, & if so what would be the best 'removable' mount to get, and would the short shaft 'kicker' work on the long shaft boat?

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: 'Kicker' motor advice

Long ago I was in your situation with a 20'er. The 9.9 was always left on the boat. An oil reservoir was added near a battery at the stern for the 9.9 as the 90 had a reservoir attached like they still are today. The 9.9 was on a jack plate and completely out of the water when not in use. Then the regs changed at the limited hp lake stating the prop had to be removed from larger engines. It was no longer worth it so that boat was sold and a new 24'er purchased.

 

[NYBo]

Re: 'Kicker' motor advice

You'll be adding some weight to the stern, and if the boat is rated for less than 60 HP, you will technically overpowering the boat. That being said, Crabby raises some good points. Be sure to check the regs for the small lake very carefully.

 

[JoLin]

Re: 'Kicker' motor advice

IMO, taking a 9.9 kicker on and off the 17' will be a chore. That engine weighs what, 80 lbs or more? If your local regs aren't in the way, you might be better off looking for a good deal on another motor. As little as 6 hp would work well on that boat and weigh quite a bit less.

My .02

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: 'Kicker' motor advice

I think it makes sense only b/c you have the motor already, and you have the size restricted lake you go to. Taking it on and off isn't a big deal esp. if you do it in the driveway; might even invest in or build a dolly.

Generally I advise against a kicker on a boat like yours; your situation is different.

 

[BobGlover]

Re: 'Kicker' motor advice

I think it makes sense only b/c you have the motor already, and you have the size restricted lake you go to. Taking it on and off isn't a big deal esp. if you do it in the driveway; might even invest in or build a dolly.

Generally I advise against a kicker on a boat like yours; your situation is different.

Yep, this is what I'm thinking; I live on the small lake & the big boat would stay in the water most of the time. I'd only travel with the 'kicker' on the boat about 5 miles--from the launch ramp to the cabin, where I'd remove the motor. Does anyone know the best type of mount to get, and how would the short shaft work in the long transom boat?
Thanks for all the help!

 

[snowman48047]

Re: 'Kicker' motor advice

Is there a reason you can't just hang the 9.9 on the transom? You aren't going to get on plane with that motor so if the prop is in the water and it is low enough to draw water then go for it. You might have the prop come out of the water if it gets rough enough though. Maybe trade someone your 9.9 for a longshaft motor?

I recently read about a boats transom weight capacity although I had never heard of it before. Look into it. Having a kicker does not overpower your boat unless you are running them both. Who would run a 50 and a 9.9 together? I have a 115 and a 9.9 and my boat is rated for 120. Am I overpowered? No. Maybe if your boat was rated for 60 and you tried running 8 9.9s...