Back up kicker size

[1973Chieftain]

I have a 15' aluminum boat that im considering taking on Lake Huron sometimes. Obviously only on calm days, and within 2-3 miles of shore. My thought is that id like a back up motor just in case my main conks out... I don't want to have to paddle all the way back in! However, I REALLY don't like the looks of a kicker permanently hanging off the stern. Im thinking that a small kicker could be strapped in under my bow deck and only be pulled out if needed, then clamped on and hooked up to my main fuel tanks. Does this sound feasible? I was thinking of a light motor like 3.5-5 hp should do the trick. Thoughts?

[64osby]

Hey Chief, On a calm day yes the 3.5-5 would get you back. If the wind picked up it might blow you around a bit. Your AC makes a nice sail.

I would try and find a 7.5, not much weight or size difference from 5.5 to a 7.5.

I would say since it won't be showing, to get a older JohnyRude late 60's to mid 80's, 50/1, change the fuel fittings to match the Merc. so the same tank works. It should make a nice back up and beats a paddle.

[1973Chieftain]

Thanks for the advice 64! I was thinking of this kicker for the SC though, the AC has no room on the transom at all- probably could not even put an electric on it! Im seeing lots of 4-5 hp long shafts, but not many 7.5's, but if they are similar in weight i'll keep looking.

[64osby]

http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/boa/3020056566.html

http://flint.craigslist.org/boa/2971266768.html

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/boa/3016091558.html

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/boa/2887387669.html

http://annarbor.craigslist.org/boa/2997383339.html

All are older except the top one.

If they have the pressure tank it is an easy conversion. These will have a short shaft 18" leg. I wouldn't pay any more than $400 if everything was in good order, once you convert it you could sell the tank for 50- 100, just the adapter from the tank to the motor sells for $100 on flea bay

Late 50's vintage motors are bullet proof, easy to work on and the parts are still easy to find. They do like 24/1 mix but if your using for a back up you could add some oil in a pinch.

If you remember the one little motor I had, it's a '57 10 hp Johnson pushes the Lone Star to 15mph. I rebuilt it over the winter.

[1973Chieftain]

I recall that engine, and that's about what I was thinking of. Will the 18" leg work on my 20" transom through I wonder? Thanks for the links, I've seen a couple but several are new.

[64osby]

I would think an 18" leg would sit low enough, and it's for back up only. Check your water line at the side of the transom. They sit about 2-3" low on a 15". I know Jason had a long shaft and it was way too long on a 20" transom.

[Home Cookin']

carrying an extra motor on a 15' tinnie "just in case" is a waste of space, weight and money.

You are going to have to run it every two weeks just to be sure it does. Not worth it. And I don't like the notion of a motor constantly stored on its side or bouncing around in the bow of a boat.

You can manage a paddle trip once every three years for that one time you break down. You can also use the paddle to flag someone down, since anyone can tow your boat. You could carry an oar and learn to scull. Or a trolling motor that hooks up to your existing battery.

[jasoutside]

Or a trolling motor that hooks up to your existing battery.

That's kinda what I'm thinking too Chief ^^^^. Minn Kota has good rebates right now too. You could get a 50# transom mount for about $150 after the rebate. It should move your Jet quite well and still fit under your bow fine. Plus no fuel, oil, water pump yada yada to worry about that would be on a gas kicker

[1973Chieftain]

I've been thinking to the electric, but from what I've read on here they have very poor battery life, and even though my boat is light, much wind or current will over power it. However, it would be nicer then having a gas engine laying on its side all the time.