What do you think about kicker

[flashele]

Hi,I am new to boating. I was wondering if it is a good idea to have a kicker?

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: What do you think about kicker

yes!

 

[brother chris]

Re: What do you think about kicker

yes, without a doubt, you should have a kicker. <br />Even if the outboard you have is in excellent shape. What if something happens to it, you are stuck where ever you are at, until you paddle yourself in. Not fun. <br />I got stuck one time going camping at 10pm. We left, 2 boats in all. On one of my boats, the main ob died. We had to use the kicker to get us where we were going(which was 5 miles away, in the dark). Thank God I brought the kicker. <br />No matter where you go, have a kicker! <br />Happy boating

 

[roscoe]

Re: What do you think about kicker

Depends on where when and who you go boating with.<br /><br />Inland lakes under 2000 acres, no.<br />Larger lakes in populated areas or where there is other boat traffic, no.<br />Swift rivers, yes.<br />Larger lakes in remote locations, yes.<br />Ocean or Great Lakes, yes. <br /><br />That being said, I have broken all the above rules. Needed a tow once when motor died. Boated for 38 years and never had a kicker till last year.<br /><br />In populated areas, a cell phone call to a baitshop or gas station, or if emergency - 911, someone will come out and give you a tow for gas money.

 

[Forktail]

Re: What do you think about kicker

I have to disagree with you Roscoe .<br /><br />There's not a worse pain in the ars than having to tow someone else. <br /><br />A boat without oars or sails needs power at all times. Especially in populated areas where the boat traffic is heavy. You may get swamped or hit before you get help.<br /><br />Kicker's aren't that expensive in comparison to peace-of-mind and safety.

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: What do you think about kicker

Up to about 25'-10 HP with a "push prop" to a little over 30" get a 25 HP. Smaller boats in the teens, about 8 Hp with "push prop". Small v hulls 14' or less 3.5 HP would do the job. (Wish I had one of those little 3.5 HP Tanaka jobs for my bass boat I could keep in the front storage compartment!)

 

[flashele]

Re: What do you think about kicker

Hi, Thanks for all the input. I am living in Washington, state, and will be fishing in Puget Sound. Our boat is 15'and has 66" beam. So I will look for an 8hp kicker.Thanks again Flash

 

[flashele]

Re: What do you think about kicker

Hi Again,<br /> I have been looking at kickers motors for my 15 foot boat. Which one do you think is better a 2 stork or 4 stork. I can get a good deal on a 6 hp. 4 stork Mercury. Do you think it will be big enough? Thanks Flash