Kicker Motor for 14 Starcraft Seafarer

[1stgenbird]

I have a 14' Seafarer with a older 18hp Evinrude and have been thinking about getting an auxiliary kicker motor for it this year. I also have a 20lb thrust electric trolling motor. I was out fishing on a local lake last year and the Evinrude died and I used the trolling motor to get across the lake in a headwind and it barely moved the boat. I didn't bring my oars that day.
I have been thinking of getting either a larger trolling motor, 30lb or more, or a 2-3hp outboard and mounting it on a stern bracket.
I go out on the ocean at times and don't want to rely on rowing to get back in.

Any suggestions?

 

[Bwana Don]

Re: Kicker Motor for 14 Starcraft Seafarer

2-5 hp would be ideal. I used my 2.2 merc on a 14' rental boat. I didn't go too fast but it moved it right along.

20 pounds of thrust isn't much. Try at least 36 if you want an electric. My 36 lbs moved my 12 foot plastic boat pretty good.

 

[barato2]

Re: Kicker Motor for 14 Starcraft Seafarer

i use a 2hp Honda as the emerg kicker on my 12' portabote and it will move the hull a max of maybe 6 mph. but it only weighs 30#, sits bagged in the bow til i need it, and always starts. i've had the same experience in the Sea of Cortez with an electric before i got Honda....electrics are great for lakes but not powerful enough for offshore (unless you're buying one of the electrics that costs more than your boat and requires a battery bank that triples your boat weight)

 

[1stgenbird]

Re: Kicker Motor for 14 Starcraft Seafarer

Thanks for the replies. I think a gas motor is the way to go. I have my eye on a 3hp Evinrude that might fit the bill.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Kicker Motor for 14 Starcraft Seafarer

I love my Johnson 5.5hp as a kicker on a 16' SS...just make sure you do have separate fuel lines and tanks. Otherwise it's not really redundant and you would be better suited with a bigger Minn Kota and a big deep cycle.

Also post some photos of your rig in the Starcraft forum when you get a chance

 

[1stgenbird]

Re: Kicker Motor for 14 Starcraft Seafarer

Good point. The older small outboards usually have a internal fuel tank.

 

[Bwana Don]

Re: Kicker Motor for 14 Starcraft Seafarer

I think Huron was refering to NOT running both motors from the same fuel source. Bad fuel shuts them both down. I would go with a big Min Kota and a big deep cycle. That's just me though. The reason is I like trolling with a nice quiet electric. A 45 pound thrust would push you back home.

The 3 horse will do a great job for you. Small, yet big enough to bring you back in should the main motor konk out. Internal fuel tank is a plus in my book.

Good luck.