Kicker neccessary hp

[jeffkujath]

I have an 18ft runabout w/ 140hp outboard and travel on Mississippi often. I would like a back up kicker soley for use as an emergency backup. I like the Briggs and Stratton 5hp 4 cycle, but as I am new to boating, I have no way of knowing if that engine would push a boat like mine. Any thoughts?

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Kicker neccessary hp

5hp per 1000lbs of boat is a good rule of thumb...

 

[JGREGORY]

Re: Kicker neccessary hp

I have a 9.9 bigfoot high thrust four stroke as the kicker for my 23' rinker cuddy. moves it really well.<br /><br />Because of current (tidal water) I wanted the most hp I could get for the mount I had to use.

 

[alden135]

Re: Kicker neccessary hp

Rinkerv230, Please try to get a bigger avatar.

 

[alden135]

Re: Kicker neccessary hp

Nevermind. when I first read the post was there a HUGE pic of a kid and a dog.

 

[JGREGORY]

Re: Kicker neccessary hp

Yeah I know. Tried to shrink it down and it wouldn't work. so switched to something more subtle.