Kicker Trolling motor size recommendation

[bumrunner]

So my kicker motor issues continue.... Now I am looking at a 6 HP longshaft motor. I have a 23 foot prosports boat and am wondering if this is enough HP to push the boat around trolling?

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Kicker Trolling motor size recommendation

I would say more than enough for trolling, I have a 5.5 on my 16' fiberglass MFG and trolling speed up to 2.5 never much above idle, against wind and waves a little more power needed but still have lots to go.
I know mines a long cry from a 23' boat but for trolling I still think your good.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Kicker Trolling motor size recommendation

I agree that for trolling it will probably do fine. However it won't be much good as an emergency backup get you home kinda motor. I'd want a 15 for that.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Kicker Trolling motor size recommendation

If I were you I would not consider anything less than 15 hp.
I have a 21 foot Aluminum boat 2800 pounds dry with a 15 HP Johnson 2 stroke.
Yes in the river or a small lake it is fine for trolling.
However in the Pacific Ocean with 9 foot swells every 6 seconds and 35 knot winds it will hardly turn up into the wind and swells.
Top speed about 5 MPH on a calm lake.
It also must be a long shaft is you use in the ocean of large lakes at all.
You will want large 4 blade low pitch prop ind the 5 to 7 range.
My prop is 10 inches by 7 pitch by 4 Blade.
I am in the process of up grading from a 15 2 stroke to a 15 4 stroke.

 

[Alpheus]

Re: Kicker Trolling motor size recommendation

I hate to drag up old posts. How do you steer that kicker???

 

[Boatist]

Re: Kicker Trolling motor size recommendation

I steer it with a EZ Steer.
If you look at the pictures you will see on both motors a bracket that looks like an air hose connection. A stainless steel rod attaches at both ends so you can steer with the main motor.

The EZ Steer rod length is adjustable so that both motors will turn together and point the same way.
The rod disconnects very quickly so it can be put away to prevent theft.

 

[Alpheus]

Re: Kicker Trolling motor size recommendation

OK I see how that works. It the EZ steer system universal or do you have to buy the one that fits your outdrive???