Kicker motor vs towing

[Stinnett21]

Considering a kicker in the future for safety concerns, i.e. not trolling. For those who have kickers, do you tow with them mounted? I see that Panther Marine says to ALWAYS remove the motor prior to towing. Now I suspect very few really do this and that is considered "attorney" language. Just wondering what the real world experience is.

 

[Chris1956]

I have been boating for 50+ years. I always try to keep the engine maintained so it will keep running, but about 5 times, it has failed me. One was a hard aground, so that doesn't count. One was when my wife (in another boat) was to tow me home when I broke down. I was troubleshooting an intermittent issue, but she destroyed my other boat. Not sure if that counts.

But, when my steering cable broke as I left the inlet, and when my sterndrive ignition module failed on a nice November day. Those count.

IDK, having nursed many boats, cars, snowmobiles and other vehicles home after issues. Now, I just pay the towing insurance for my boat.

 

[Alumarine]

My Honda kicker weighs about 85 lbs.
I've towed many miles with it and no issues.
I keep the motor in the down position.
I have an OMC bracket, can't speak for panther.

 

[cyclops222]

There are a lot of boats, motors, conditions and driving styles to consider. A LIST is required. How forgetful are you or any one else who may drive the boat ? It is some work to include a lot of conditions that may be encountered

 

[Scott Danforth]

I havent used a kicker for over 20 years. used boatUS towing a few times

 

[Stinnett21]

I subscribe to a towing service on Lake Cumberland but there are lots of places without cell service. Also I'm planning on trailering to other places, e.g. Kentucky Lake, where I would not have tow service. Factor in my boat is 23 years old.

 

[JimS123]

As a member of BoatUS, my towing policy is included.

With 57 years of boat ownership behind me, I have been stranded in a boat 3 times in my life, all with brand spanking new engines that failed during the warranty period. In other words, not my fault. I never hit a reef or ran out of gas.

Twice I was able to get back to the launch ramp with my kicker. Only once did I need a tow.

My last extravaganza involved an issue within sight upstream of the mist of Niagara Falls. The current was more than I could expect my kicker to get me upstream far enough without running out of gas. What the kicker DID do was get me to shore where I could safely anchor out of harm's way. The TowBoat captain was an awesome guy.

My kicker is chump change in relation to the cost of the boat. If you ask me to take a ride in your boat that does NOT have a kicker, I'll just meet you there.

 

[tphoyt]

I see lots of people towing with the kicker mounted. You’re probably right about attorney language but at the end of the day if something were to happen it’s that language you will have to deal with. And I’m guessing nothing will be in your favor. It’s a tough call really. Check to see if you have any local or state laws onit just to be sure.

 

[Mc Tool]

I travel with my aux motor down . I only take it off if Im worried someone will nick it .
I do use it for trawling tho ..... goes for hours on a litre of fuel

 

[cyclops222]

Why 2 same sized motors are the best setup. With power tilt up on both. The none running motor MUST be tilted up. To prevent boat speed on the good motor. From ramming water up the dead motors cooling system. And into the stopped cylinders. IT DOES HAPPEN.
Should you forget to COMPLETELY lift the none running motor................Take out all the sparkplugs on the dead engine. Crank it for a couple of seconds to spray water out. Put the plugs back in. Start & run the engine in NEUTRAL for about 60 seconds to recoat cylinder walls and rings with oil.

 

[roscoe]

My 15 hp kicker is bolted to the transom, no bracket, always is on the boat. Used for trolling or emergencies.

The other boat , 4 hp kicker, is in the boat, strapped down. Only used for emergencies.
No towing or Good Samaritans available where I usually boat.

 

[airshot]

Been a boat owner for over 60 years, always had backup propulsion just in case. On smaller boats a set of oars will work ( yes, folks do feel sorry for guys rowing) as my boats got bigger moved to gas powered kickers and in a few cases a good electric trolling motor works. How far you going out ? How busy is the area you boat in ? If popular area, good samaritans are not hard to find. In all my years, I have never "had" to be towed, I understand my boat and motors and I maintain them ! It is rare to have a problem and I typically have a way out by repairing, using the trolling motor or the gas kicker ( or both)... I see a lot of guys being towed by towing services, and if all else, get yourself a season towing program for that just in case moment.
Whether a service or your own rescue plan....at least have a plan !!

 

[Mc Tool]

My 15 hp kicker is bolted to the transom, no bracket, always is on the boat. Used for trolling or emergencies.

The other boat , 4 hp kicker, is in the boat, strapped down. Only used for emergencies.
No towing or Good Samaritans available where I usually boat.

Have you ever had to fit the kicker in rough conditions ? I dont even like the idea of trying to refuel a small motor let alone trying to attach it to a transom on the high seas .

 

[cyclops222]

All engines MUST MUST use the same type of gasoline !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Mc Tool]

Why 2 same sized motors are the best setup.

Yeah ideally a pair of motors makes good sense ,specially if your going a good distance.
I am often surprised ( well not any more ) at what peeps consider to be a useful sized emergency motor , like a 20 foot plus boat with a 3hp kicker sort of thing. Some peeps seem to think its token gesture to Poseidon rather than a means of saving your life .

 

[Mc Tool]

All engines MUST MUST use the same type of gasoline !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

just been doing this as I have a Honda main engine ,and a 6hp Zuki aux , both 4 stroke . I have it set up so either motor can run off either tank ( both are totes with the same tank end fitting ) via their own supply hose .
Now that I have this Tohatsu 2 stroke , which is never intended for this boat any way, but it has its own tote tank and permanently fitted hose and primer with an engine end fitting different from the 4 strokes so that no way can straight fuel be supplied to the 2 stroke .
I just thought a wee bit of "idiot proofing" made good sense .

 

[cyclops222]

Unlimited FRESH fuel for the motor in desolate areas.

 

[roscoe]

Have you ever had to fit the kicker in rough conditions ?

No I haven't.
Dad used it on a few trips and did have to use it once and put it on the transom, but not in rough water.
His little boat, and mine, don't go out on big water. And if a storm kicks up, we usually head to shore and shelter under a 10x12 plastic tarp.

 

[Stinnett21]

Why 2 same sized motors are the best setup. With power tilt up on both. The none running motor MUST be tilted up. To prevent boat speed on the good motor. From ramming water up the dead motors cooling system. And into the stopped cylinders. IT DOES HAPPEN.
Should you forget to COMPLETELY lift the none running motor................Take out all the sparkplugs on the dead engine. Crank it for a couple of seconds to spray water out. Put the plugs back in. Start & run the engine in NEUTRAL for about 60 seconds to recoat cylinder walls and rings with oil.

The issue you bring up with ingesting water on a non running engine is something I hadn't thought of. With a non running alpha 1 gen 2 I seam to remember someone with more knowledge than me saying it was not generally possible to push water past a non turning impeller.

 

[DeepCMark58A]

I am not putting a kicker motor on my pontoon or mastercraft, not needed.