[mtemple]

I'm looking for a 18 Foot aluminum (Lund,Crestliner,Sylvan) boat for Salmon / Trout fishing and also for family use. Need to be able to pull tubes skiis etc. Think I want to put 115 HP or better four stroke outboard motor. Concerned about being able to idle it down for top fishing Salmon and Trout. Any recommendations on putting a kicker on the boat right at the start. Will a 115 plus idle down enough.

[Mumblerone]

Just my opinion...I like Lund boats if you have to have aluminum. I would also go with maximum HP for the boat. You get the boat loaded with four people and gear...you'll need power. Yes the motor will idle down ok. Now, if you using downriggers, and a lot of electronics you may want the motor to to run at a higher rpm, to keep battery charged. You can put a trolling plate on the motor (Happy Troller) or put bags out that slow the boat down if at highter RPM. They look like sea anchors. Having said all the above, I'd personally prefer a 4-stoke 9.9 HP (Yamaha) aux. motor. You get the safety of getting home if the big motor doesn't start. Plus it idles quieter, has an alternator, and saves the hours on the big motor.

[KeltonKrew]

another plus to the kicker is you won't be getting a lot of carbon build up by idling your big motor for long periods of time!

[495v]

Definately go with the kicker! Also, go with max horse for your big outboard. My buddy has a 18' Sylvan with a 115 rude and he wishes he went bigger. I believe maximum rating was 150, but not absolutly sure. He has a 9.9 kicker and it trolls like a champ and barley consumes any fuel. Your big motor will run you try on a day of trolling and as everyone has mentioned, lots of carbon buildup.

[Boatist]

MtempleI would go with the Crestliner 1850 sportfish I/O or OB. Max Hp OB 115-175 or I/O 3.0L or 4.3L.Great Fish and Ski boat, all Welded hull. I/O has a kicker pocket and the OutBoard has room for a kicker. Do not troll with your 175 HP motor get a Yamaha T8, or Honda or Merc 9.9 to 15 hp kicker.The boat is made to convert from fishing to skiing. I never heard of a Crestliner with a leak. I have a 1980 21 foot Creastliner and love it. http://www.crestliner.com/boat_info/...ils.asp?TID=97

[JB]

Howdy, MTemple.In my experience a big 4 stroke trolls very well, and trolling for hours does it ZERO harm. If I added a kicker it would only be as an auxilary, not a troller.The notions of going for max hp and 4 stroke are not usually compatible. With a couple of exceptions big 4 strokes are HEAVY. The most notable exception is the Suzuki/Johnson 140 at 410lb. The big 3 (Yamaha, Suzuki, Merc) 115 4 strokes all weigh within a few pounds of that. The current 115 Honda is much heavier.I think your original idea of a 18' Walleye-style boat with a 115 4 stroke (EFI) would do what you want to do, and do it well. If you have to have hair on it's chest, the Johnson 140.Good luck.