Advise on kicker purchase....

[zipper]

Hello folks. I've a couple questions on kickers for ya all. When is the best time to buy one? When do new models show up in showrooms? I guess I'd like to buy last years (or this years model prior to the 05 models showing up) model at clearance/move-em out price... Am I asking too much? I see that most 9.9 and 15 hsp are about the same money - same size etc. Is a 9.9 high thrust better than a 15 non high thrust? and if so, why? Are all Johnson 4 strokes really rebadged Suzuki motors? I know the big ones are. I own the 140 Johnsuki... Thanks for indulging me. Top 'a the day to ya! zip

 

[DJ]

Re: Advise on kicker purchase....

Zipper,<br /><br />Let me see if I can get these in order. <br /><br />Typically, the new models are introduced in the summer. Dealers do not like to hold over inventory through the winter months. I would shop now.<br /><br />The 9.9 and 15 (in many company offerings) are very similar but NOT the same. The hi thrust models are designed with larger gerarcases that can swing larger props. These are great for moving heavy loads (pontoons, barges, etc). The are not limited to those applications, yet they are better suited to them. A 15 non hi thrust will develop more speed than a high thrust model. You'll have to decide, depending on your particular application.<br /><br />The Johnson four strokes are rebadged Suzukis.

 

[conchecko]

Re: Advise on kicker purchase....

Good day Zip!<br />From what i have seen at dock, a 9.9 is sufficient for trolling, of course if you fish bigwater, a 15 would more suitable, And boat size would have to be considered. To the best of my knowledge, a 15 is a 9.9 with more carburation. The fall would be best time to make a purchase, or at a boat/fishing show at the turn of the year, as next spring next model year will be avaliable, and last years stock has to be "blowed out".

 

[zipper]

Re: Advise on kicker purchase....

Thanks for the input gents. My boat is a 19' Duckworth aluminum. I currently have an old 2 stroke Johnson 15 hsp on her and want (need) to upgrade. I'm curious about the high thrust motors but don't want to have buyers remorse... I'm one of the "buy once" type on a strict budget. They are not like cars that you can just go test drive ... Does Johnson or Suzuki have Hi-thrust models or just Yami, Merc and Honda? Anyhow, thanks for your time! Cheers. Zip