kicker motor for trolling

[muck chucker]

I got a 15.6ft thunder craft fiberglass speed boat with a 115 merc and want to put a kicker bracket and motor on back for trolling on lakes. I really like the 2.5hp yamaha but im worried it would be to small to push the boat. Any one know how big a boat the 2.5 will push? should I get a 4 or 6 hp instead? The reason im hung up on the 2.5 is because i would like to be able to swap it back and forth with my 12ft aluminum. Any help would be great!

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: kicker motor for trolling

Welcome to the forums,

If wanting to stay small in size, how about a Tohatsu 3.5 HP, weights same as the 2.5, will push a J-24 sailboat with no effort on slight windy days or go for next portable 5 HP.

Happy Boating

 

[blackhawk180]

Re: kicker motor for trolling

A buddy has a Honda 8hp four stroke kicker on his 20' aluminum Hewes Seacraft boat and it works great. Another buddy I fish with has a 8hp Evenrude 2 stroke on his 14' aluminum lake boat and it works OK there too but seems a bit underpowered for planing with 2 in the boat.
I would look at the 9.9hp for a kicker and if it proves too much thrust for the 12' boat, re-prop it. Props are like $75 and you can go all the way down to a 5" pitch which will troll both boats but maybe not plane out the 12. I don't think I'd go below 5 for a kicker on the big boat but consider the weight before you buy.
Guess it would help if we knew what you expected from the 12' boat? Brief description of the 12' boat would help too. Troll only or plane out with the 12?

 

[LongLine]

Re: kicker motor for trolling

I don't know how big the lake is that you're planning on trolling. But if it's a decent size and waves build up on it (say 1 or 1 1/2 ft) then go a bit bigger. With trolling you not only have to push that boat, (which may be on the heavy side) but sometimes you have to fight a slight chop. (when the fishing is best) I'd look at the 6 hp.

Tom B.
(LongLine)

 

[64osby]

Re: kicker motor for trolling

I would look for something closer to 10 or 15 hp. Still pretty easy to transfer, it will troll at very slows speeds, it will get you home if your main motor fails, it will work much better on the 12' tinny.

 

[jimbo_jwc]

Re: kicker motor for trolling

My 4.5 hp works on my 19.6 deep V and a 12 flat bottom john river cruiser .