Re: 1976 22' Starcraft Islander Rebuild
I would consider a gas kicker too. Of course your boat being so big makes me think an electric motor wouldn't even be possible. (unless you are talking the engine mount M/K which are available up to 101lb.
The last V boat I had was a 16ft tracker. It was only 16ft something, but was a "bigger" boat than allot of the ones we are because of the width, and depth. I had an 8hp Merc kicker, and used it a bunch.
In fact the Merc 50hp that was on it, was a complete PITA to start when cold, and a few times I said the heck with it and used the kicker. It was also great for "backtrolling" into the wind When doing this I wasn't really trolling but casting. And would fish from the back, use the Powerdrive pedal in conjunction with the kicker to go into the wind backwards.
As much as it stinks to go through so much hassle by going into the wind, I think it makes a difference in contacting fish. At least Muskies.
I'm going to put a kicker bracket on my boat, since I have one, and the wholes are there already too. And buy a kicker later down the road.
Edit: A couple other things. Since you have a permanent tank, and no pre-mix, a 4 stroke kicker is the way to go. That is what I did and am glad I did. 2 stroke oil injected outboard, and a 4 stroke kicker so you can run from the same fuel source. And the extra quiet is nice too.
Also keep in mind that a multi cylinder kicker will be much smoother than the single cylinder kickers. Mine was a single and felt it was fine, but I guess it does make a difference in smoothness.