what hp kicker do i need to be on plane for a 20'

[letsbarbq]

Hello wise boaters... i had read about kickers in the previous psotings. my question is. i am purchasing a 88 wellcraft step lift, v20. it has a 150 yamaha outboatd and a kicker bracket. I was wondering what size hp motor do i need in order to get home safely in case i have engine problem. how much do i need to get me on plane? how fast will i be going? <br /><br />I also read that some people had mounted a 30 hp or 40 hp to the transom next to the main engine? is this possible for me?<br /><br />I dont plan on going out there on rough days.. but i want to be able to get home without tow incase something happens. <br /><br />any wise inputs will be appreciated.

 

[mbb]

Re: what hp kicker do i need to be on plane for a 20'

There are a few simple rules in boat design. One of these is it takes 1 hp for every 50 lbs to plane a flat bottom boat. More for V bottom (lets say 20% more for fun).<br /><br />If you got a 2500 lb boat, 2 persons (400lb) 50 gal fuel (300 lb) 2 batteries (100 lb) and ice and gear (100 lbs) you have 3400 lb.<br />3400/50=68hp minimum <br /><br />See where this is going ? You cannot plane on a kicker. You will get 5-6 mph with a kicker. And thats as fast as you can be towed also.

 

[letsbarbq]

Re: what hp kicker do i need to be on plane for a 20'

thanks. i dont need to plane.. getting me back to dock is all i need and good trolling.