what size kicker should I get.

[brian3127]

I have an 19ft aluminum with a small cuddy

what size 4 stroke kicker should I get for trolling.

this is the boat. the tower was taken off so its just the boat.

 

[racerone]

My own opinion is 10% of your main power.--------Or 15 HP on a river.-----And 20 HP for big open water.

 

[Scott06]

I have an 19ft aluminum with a small cuddy

what size 4 stroke kicker should I get for trolling.

this is the boat. the tower was taken off so its just the boat.

On a similar sized boat (but fiberglass so would have been heavier than AL) had a 9.5. This was for a fairly large lake ( 40 mi long) for lake trout trolling

 

[brian3127]

I fish Lake Michigan.

 

[racerone]

Big open water / big waves you need a hefty kicker.

 

[QBhoy]

Also as important is the set up for the kicker. No doubt about it. I have a 19ft cuddy and can run a 3.5hp merc 4 stroke to push it just over 4mph at 2/3 throttle. Just because it’s well set up.

 

[racerone]

How would the 3.5 HP work in high winds ( sudden squall ) or in 6' ( 2 meter waves ) as you might find on Lake Michigan ?

 

[JimS123]

I put my first kicker on in 1970. Of course I don't have much experience....LOL.

If ALL you want is trolling / fishing, a 5 HP will fit your needs. If you ALSO want it for an emergency power, a 9.9 would be preferred.

My 3000# fiberglass bowrider sports a 5 HP Merc 4-stroke and it will push the boat at 6.5 mph at ~3/4 throttle. For trolling at 1.8 mph for salmon or Muskies she is barely cruisin.

 

[Jakem]

I use a yamaha t9.9 4 stroke on my 21 fiberglass cruiser with cuddy...for the most part it's plenty unless I hit big waves. I fish ocean with it and tides don't slow me down much really

 

[Sea Rider]

Also as important is the set up for the kicker. No doubt about it. I have a 19ft cuddy and can run a 3.5hp merc 4 stroke to push it just over 4mph at 2/3 throttle. Just because it’s well set up.

A 3.5 HP motor well propped to run towards if max wot rpm range at max throttle will push a 2 ton J-23 sailboat at about 4-5 MPH max on flat calm no wind water escenarios, forget all about when encountering harsh winds, strong currents, will simply stay in place being sorry you didn't purchased a much larger HP motor. Personally wouldn't want going less than a 15 HP motor.

Happy Boating​

 

[QBhoy]

How would the 3.5 HP work in high winds ( sudden squall ) or in 6' ( 2 meter waves ) as you might find on Lake Michigan ?

Just as poorly as any other kicker.

 

[roscoe]

You basically have a Starcraft v190, make in the same factory. For a boat like that, it is so much easier to find and operate a nice 9.9, 15, or 20 hp, with power tilt, remote start, controls, and steering.
It will do your trolling, get you back home, and have the thrust to keep your bow into the wind in most cases.

 

[Sea Rider]

Just as poorly as any other kicker.

The issue is that nobody props right their portable kicker motors to run towards its max wot rpm range factory stated, motors delivered with props with perform awful on heavy applications...

Happy Boating​

 

[hemifoot]

i run an 80 lb minn kota 72"shaft with i pilot on my fishing boat.set my waypoints and let it run it's course.i prefer it over a gas kicker by a country mile.when i'm trolling my max needed speed is around 3 mph at the most,usually 1.5 to 2 is the norm. if the waves pick up it's gas engine time anyway.plus it's quiet.with 2 deep cycle batteries and a minn kota alternator charger i can run it forever.i have the same one to put on my 21 foot starcraft deck boat,if i ever get around to installing it.the snow is finally melting here and i can almost get to it.

 

[JimS123]

The issue is that nobody props right their portable kicker motors to run towards its max wot rpm range factory stated, motors delivered with props with perform awful on heavy applications...

Happy Boating​

The real issue is that the prop selection for "some" kickers is not broad enough to achieve what is needed. As an example, I run the lowest pitch available on one of my rigs and it still won't hit spec WOT.

 

[Sea Rider]

The real issue is that the prop selection for "some" kickers is not broad enough to achieve what is needed.

That's why you should run a Tohatsu for that sole purpose...LOL!! If the lowest available prop doesn't achieve what's needed imagine a factory delivered one...

Happy Boating​

 

[JimS123]

That's why you should run a Tohatsu for that sole purpose...LOL!!

Happy Boating​

Ah so. Syonara. Sachahatsy.

Just kidding of course.

The one I spoke of in my last post was a freaking Tohatso Mercury.

And truthfully I'm not complaining. The kicker meets my requirements, regardless of rpm...

 

[brian3127]

so it looks like 9.9 to 20ph is what most are suggesting.
it would also be used to get us back if the main engine dies.

thanks guys.