What size trolling kicker outboard motor for 23 ft boat?

[bumrunner]

I have a 23 prosports fishing boat and would like to do some trolling. Any suggestions on what size kicker motor I need? The smaller the better based on current boat setup. Also, any suggestions on how to mount the thing? There is a swim platform I could build a bracket for.... Thanks!

 

[ondarvr]

Re: What size trolling kicker outboard motor for 23 ft boat?

You didn't list where you live or what you want to troll for, it makes a big defference.

 

[bob johnson]

Re: What size trolling kicker outboard motor for 23 ft boat?

You didn't list where you live or what you want to troll for, it makes a big defference.

I am wondering , why were a person lives and what the reason they want to troll for has to do with what size motor???

I am thinking trolling is going from 7 mph and under in a controlled manner ..usually for fishing...( long periods and less gas use and less hours on the big power plant....)

he will need a certain size motor to get his hull moving up to 7 mph..( i have heard that most boats GENERALLY cant go more than the HULL SPEED of the boat..unless they get on plane...

bob

 

[ondarvr]

Re: What size trolling kicker outboard motor for 23 ft boat?

Trolling in smaller fresh water lakes, or protected salt water locations, or for certain types of fish requires far less power (speed) than some other types of water and/or fish. Plus if he's fishing in the open ocean he may want a larger kicker to help ensure he'll still be able to control the boat in bad weather if the main motor has problems.

 

[trendsetter240]

Re: What size trolling kicker outboard motor for 23 ft boat?

Trolling in smaller fresh water lakes, or protected salt water locations, or for certain types of fish require far less power (speed) than some other types of water and/or fish. Plus if he's fishing in the open ocean he may want a larger kicker to help ensure he'll still be able to control the boat in bad weather if the main motor has problems.

I agree. I use a 4hp kicker on my 17ft boat and that works just fine for inshore and moderate conditions when trolling for salmon but when out a few miles from shore I need to use my 70hp main.

For a 23ft boat I'd go for a minimum of 8hp for inshore and lake fishing. 9.9 or 15 for anything offshore. Nothing less than a 15hp if you are going to be in big seas.

Edit: Oh, and make sure you get a long shaft 20".

 

[ondarvr]

Re: What size trolling kicker outboard motor for 23 ft boat?

A Yamaha T8 would be great for most conditions, but off shore a high thrust 15 would be a little better.

He also asked about going small, so depending on how he plans to use it he may be able to use a smaller than normal motor.

 

[bumrunner]

Re: What size trolling kicker outboard motor for 23 ft boat?

Thanks for the input.. I'm mainly going to use it on lake erie so I'm guessing the 9.9+ is the way to go. The 9.9 i researched weighs about a hundred pounds, and the way my boat is set up, I'd like to mount it to the swim platform, but don't know if that is the best idea. Any advice on how to mount it? There is no room next to the main motor as the transom is cut out to fit the main motor only.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: What size trolling kicker outboard motor for 23 ft boat?

A Yamaha T8 would be great for most conditions, but off shore a high thrust 15 would be a little better.

I totally agree, my dad runs a Yammie 8hp and it's a great kicker. His boat is a fibergass 24' Seaswirl w/ hardtop and 80 gallon fuel tank, so probably similar in weight to your rig, if not heavier.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: What size trolling kicker outboard motor for 23 ft boat?

Some swim platforms can hold a kicker easily and others aren't up to supporting their own weight, so you'll need to post a pick. You can get swim platforms with a kicker mount incorporated into it too.

 

[gss036]

Re: What size trolling kicker outboard motor for 23 ft boat?

I run a SeaCraft 23 WA and run my kicker from a bracket attached to the transom, works great, used to have a Honda 15, but now use a Yamaha T9.9 high thrust. My buddy uses a bracket on his Bayliner swim step for his regular Yamaha 9.9. when attached to the swim step it make controlling & steering a little more difficult. Since I do a lot of trolling for salmon, I uses a Troll-eze hydraulic system for the convience. They have gotten rather spendy over the years though.

 

[bumrunner]

Re: What size trolling kicker outboard motor for 23 ft boat?

A lot to think about. Thank you all for your advice. I'm heading in the right direction I think.

 

[dingbat]

Re: What size trolling kicker outboard motor for 23 ft boat?

Don't size a kicker for a good day. Size it for a bad day.

On the Chessy, 15 hp min, perfer 20 hp for a boat that size.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: What size trolling kicker outboard motor for 23 ft boat?

Don't size a kicker for a good day. Size it for a bad day.

Agree with that