Long or short shaft for kicker

[michaelsen]

I want a 9.9 outboard next to my main motor. I have mounted a bracket on my transom and a short shaft will make it so the plate thingy on the shaft (not sure what it's called) will be in level with the transom bottom where it is mounted, just as it should. If I put a 20" shaft motor on, it will of course go deeper to about the same dept as my main motor. <br />What should I choose? Does it matter at all what size shaft I put on? It's a 18' bow rider and I will use the kicker for trolling and in case my main motor fails. <br /><br />Regards<br />Michael

 

[BobZ]

Re: Long or short shaft for kicker

Mike, I have a Merc 9.9 4 stroke mounted on a 25 ft. Grady White I/O. The trolling motor has a 20" shaft.<br /><br />My lift bracket has 14 " travel. The prop comes up out of the water about 4" when I am on plane with the big engine. <br /><br />When trolling the prop will suck air on occasion. This will happen when I am in 3 ft. + waves on Lake Erie My cavitation plate is well below the hull bottom.<br /><br />I would say go with the 20" unless you cannot get it out of the water far enough with your lift when your on plane.

 

[michaelsen]

Re: Long or short shaft for kicker

That was very helpful information. I will get one with a 20" shaft.<br /><br />Thank you<br /><br /><br />Regards<br />Michael