Correct size of kicker for my 18' boat?

[chiroken]

We've decided to add a kicker to my Maxum 1800MX boat. Runs on a 135hp Mercruiser I/O and the boat weighs 2000lbs.

I would like to know what size minimum kicker should I get? I will be doing some salmon trolling, not much. It's main function will simply be a back-up in the event of a main motor failure (happened this summer on a very large lake, 5 hour ordeal to get everyone home. Turns out to be a faulty ground wire connection ). The boat will spend time in saltwater, however, it will not be taken out in bad weather (yes, weather can turn bad quickly though).

I'm thinking of an 8 or 9.9hp 4 stroke. Don't have space to have a separate fuel tank for a 2 stroke. I'd prefer an 8hp for 2 reasons: cheaper to buy and it's lighter to facilitate mounting (I will have to somehow mount it on a horizontal mounting bracket as there is no vertical transom area. I've yet to figure out how I'm going to do this.)

Any suggestions? I need something that will be able to put-put me back if there is some wind and abit of swell.

Thanks,

Ken

 

[junior1113]

Re: Correct size of kicker for my 18' boat?

8 should get 5-7 mph with 8 and 7-8 with a 9.9. rough conditions would obviuosly lower these #'s

 

[wajajaja02]

Re: Correct size of kicker for my 18' boat?

your favorite lake doesnt have towboat or seaTow? at 150 unlimited per year might be more cost effective than purchase and maintaining a spare ob

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Correct size of kicker for my 18' boat?

8 to 10 HP should be enough in my opinion.
Post some photos for us all to see of your mounting issue.

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: Correct size of kicker for my 18' boat?

On a 18' boat i'd go with a strong 24 volt trolling motor unless you're talking about out at sea

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Correct size of kicker for my 18' boat?

On a small lake an electric may be adequate, but on anything bigger gas is the way to go.

If you want the best, then get a Yamaha T8 long shaft, its the high thrust version and will push that boat easily.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Correct size of kicker for my 18' boat?

There is no correct size or any boat and sizing a kicker for a best case scenerio is pretty short minded IMHO

There will come a time when you get stuck in out in some not so ideal conditions that you'll wish you didn't scrimp on the HP to save a couple of bucks. Most likely you'll give your right arm to be back to land at that point.

I'd 9.9 hp minimum if your in any type of tial water at all.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Correct size of kicker for my 18' boat?

HP is not the deciding factor, thrust is, a hi thrust 8 has more pushing power at displacemnt speed than a normal 15. The lower gear ratio and larger prop are the reasons.

Around here everyone trolls, this means every fishing boat has a kicker and "the" most popular motor is the T8, even on boats up to 26'.