[ejs68]

I am researching for my father in law the question of which brand motor would be best for a kicker motor for his 24 foot Manitou pontoon boat. Seems odd for a kicker on a pontoon, but he plans to travel Dale Hollow in Kentucky, and does not want to paddle 20 miles back to the ramp! He is interested in a 3.5 Nissan (Small to keep the weight down), but doe not know anyone that has an experience with Nissan outboards. I have read the other kicker threads, and I think I'm a little more confused than before. I thought 4 stroke, but maybe 2 instead. Brands??? Who really knows for sure? Any advice or help would be great. Thanks everyone!

[hooterville]

well dad had a 6hp Rude on his 20' pontoon and it did fine for trolling. If the wind got up it was iffy but would probally get ya back to the ramp. I'd say go bigger for a larger pontoon ,8HP or 9.9hp longshaft motors. anything smaller than a 6hp may not push a 24' pontoon especially with any wind.

[steelespike]

If you want a reasonably light kicker check out the E/J 8 hp about 60 lbs for a long shaft.

[jspringator]

Dale Hollow is a pretty busy lake. It would be cheaper to invest in a little preventive maintenance on the power-plant, have a VHS radio, and a cell phone to call the dock. Get flares if you think you really need them. Make sure you have an anchor and 200' of rope. My last experience with a get home kicker didn't work out that well.

BTW, I have a 3.5 Tohatsu 2 stroke (same as Nissan), and love it. Always starts, very light, powerful, and simple to operate. You can't buy them new any more.

[ondarvr]

That little Nissan is a good motor, but it's far too small for a 24' toon, it may be difficult to overcome even a light breeze with it. Get something larger and use a high thrust prop on it.

[tashasdaddy]

i have never seen one with a kicker, but i have towed several, that were disabled, they are horrible to tow, they only want to go straight, and you have drag the bow around to steer them when towing. i guess it is almost the same with a kicker, the hull wants to go straight, the wind wants to push side ways, and the kicker has to be strong enough to move the stern of the toon side ways, in order to make headway they way you want to go. having this experience, i would say 9.9 minimum 2 stroke.

[TOHATSU GURU]

Due to windage you need a 6 hp. Brand isn't important, but stay clear of the Briggs.