Kicker questions

[SteveMcD]

The one time I needed my kicker, it wouldn't start. Fortunately the freighter I was drifting towards was docked at the time. I have a 78 Reinell 24' fiberglass cabin cruiser with a volvo/GM 350 engine, 280 outdrive with a Johnson 20 hp 2-stroke. Is a 20 hp overkill? I was thinking it would be nice to replace it with a four stroke, freeing up some deck space by eliminating the 6 gallon tank. Are there any pitfalls in putting a tee on my fuel line and running it from the main fuel tank? Any brand clearly superior for reliability?

 

[blackhawk180]

Re: Kicker questions

20 seems a bit overkill for a kicker just for trolling but fine in an emergency (when it starts). I have a 4 stroke main and HAD a 2 stroke kicker with separate tank which sounds like your setup. I sold the 2 stroke and got a 4 stroke kicker which allowed me to connect both motors to the fuel filter/separator. Each motor has it's own fuel line and primer bulb and the setup works perfect for me as there are no valves to operate, just start the motor of choice and go. And both will run simultaneously though that only happens while I'm warming up the main while still running on the kicker. I can try to find the brand of my filter but I'm pretty sure they all would work fine. My fishing buddy has the same setup with dual Honda 4 strokes but moved his filter to a way more accessible location than mine (I have to practically stand on my head to change filters).

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Kicker questions

A 9.9 high thrust 4 stroke will work fine, and like already stated two motors can be run off the same line.

You still need to make sure it runs though, so don't leave it sit around unused for months (or years) on end and expect it to light right up when needed.

 

[airshot]

Re: Kicker questions

Yep....I run my kicker for 10 min or so about every two/three times I am out. If not trolling season then let it run while perching for a bit. I also keep blue stabil in the tank, this way I can always count on it when needed.

 

[blackhawk180]

Re: Kicker questions

One more reason to swap out to a 4 stroke. The shared fuel is always fresh.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Kicker questions

since the kicker is primarily for failure of the main, it may be wise to be able to run it directly from the tank, in case the main's failure is due to the lines, filter, T connection, whatever. Even if you do a T set-up but have a direct connect available.

That would not solve the frequent problem of bad gas in the main tank, but you can't cover every possible problem, just the most probable.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Kicker questions

Trolling is my main objective, but having redundant systems also has to be part of the package. You can't only be half redundant. In my case, the batteries and fuel systems are both redundant. Get bad gas and the kicker won't work either.

I custom built my seating to enable easy storage of the extra 6 gallon tank.