Mercury 3.5 HP Kicker

[jcminnesota]

Hi....I am considering buying a Merc 3.5 HP to use as a kicker on my Alumacraft Classic 16.5. Will it have enough power to push it 5 mph or more as an emergency backup? Will it work well as a trolling motor? Is it hard to pull start or does it have some decompression technology? I had a Honda 2 HP and it would push the boat about 3 mph max.....and was VERY noisy (unmuffled lawn mower engine comes to mind) and it would wreck my hand every time I pull started it due to the kickback. I sold it. I also looked at a Yamaha 6 HP, and while it has many good features, its also 60 lbs and a bit much for me to carry around. The Merc 3.5 weighs 39 and is much easier to handle. Any other better kicker suggestions?

 

[oldman570]

Re: Mercury 3.5 HP Kicker

For your use of a spare motor as described, I would go with a 6HP motor. That way you can get the 5+MPH and it would work as a trolling motor also. The 3.5 would be almost as hard to pull start as a 6HP as long as both are in good shape.JMO
Oldman570

 

[quicktach]

Re: Mercury 3.5 HP Kicker

The Mercs 4-5-6 all weigh 57 lbs. They're 4 stroke. If you can find a 2 stroke, you'll get a lighter motor. I'd try the 6 hp - 2 stroke if you can find one....and it'll troll nicely.