Kicker motor for 18 ft Holiday

[muskrat808]

Getting serious for kicker for my 18 ft 1972 Holiday w/140 hp I/O .Thinking 8-9.9 hp mainly for backup and marina manuvering and some trolling on lakes and the Columbia River . Questions though- Long shaft or extra long shaft ? Bracket has variable positions one at 22" and one at 26 '' . Seems xtra long would be the most versatile but a little more expensive new and harder to find used . Same with remote controls vs tiller ,and power tilt vs not . Are the bells and whistles worth it or should one buy stripped down and add remote later if so desired ? Thanks

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: Kicker motor for 18 ft Holiday

I had a 6hp Evinrude from my 14 foot John boat.
When I went to put it on my aux bracket, I realized I'd never be able to use the tiller as the transom prevented the arm to lower.
If I remounted the bracket higher, then it looked like the prop would be out of the water. (Although the I/O's we have are a little stern heavy)

I picked up a 15 hp longshaft rude and it looks like it will be perfect. And if I ever need to use it as a kicker, the 15hp should really "kick!" lol

 

[boatnut74]

Re: Kicker motor for 18 ft Holiday

I would say long shaft. I think it was ezmobee who told me this, if you are trolling in rough waters with a short shaft you run the risk of the motor "bobbing" out of the water. The more leg you got n the water with a kicker, the better off you are.

 

[Pugetsound]

Re: Kicker motor for 18 ft Holiday

Extra long shaft on a 22 holiday as the motor needs to be in the water and stll you need to reach the controlls. Very costly to convert to remopte from a tiller. and somewhat difficult to do and still be happy with it. If you want to controll all things from the helm then save a bit more $ and get one set up that way. I have a 9.9 4 stroke on my 22 holiday with electric start and connected steering but no controlls and running back and forth to put it in gear and change the speed is a pain. AS well as starting and stopeing the motor.