Will this kicker even move my boat?

[Dmopar74]

I just bought my first big boy boat, a1983 sun runner open bow with a 230hp omc. I have my grandpas old kicker, a 80's 4.5 johnson sea horse. Will this motor even move my boat? Looking to use it for trolling and as an emergency backup if the big motor dies.

 

[Scott Danforth]

a friend of mine pulled his 37' Irwin Ketch 3.5 miles from Eggmont Key to Pasadina Marina in Gulf Port with his 2.5hp Suzuki on the back of his 8' dinghy. your 4.5hp johnson will move your boat just fine.

 

[bassman284]

a friend of mine pulled his 37' Irwin Ketch 3.5 miles from Eggmont Key to Pasadina Marina in Gulf Port with his 2.5hp Suzuki on the back of his 8' dinghy. your 4.5hp johnson will move your boat just fine.

Yup. Won't move it fast, but it'll move it. Probably 5 or 5.5 mph.

 

[Sea Rider]

Will move/push it at a slow max 5 MPH on ideal water cond, but, forget all about if encountering strong winds and currents opposite where you intend to go. Your boat will probably remain on same spot untill water cond appeases.

Happy Boating

 

[jimbo_jwc]

No Title

Will move/push it at a slow max 5 MPH on ideal water cond, but, forget all about if encountering strong winds and currents opposite where you intend to go. Your boat will probably remain on same spot untill water cond appeases.

Happy Boating

Should do all but climb waves, make progress in gale force winds or rivers flowing faster than you can walk ,I have relied on mine many of times other than trolling ,wich it is excellent at , proof in a picture 196 Sea Rage

 

[Sea Rider]

The speed and performance will depend entirely on the load you intend to move along weather and water cond. Can't place a light and a heavy combo on same sac. Dmopar should try that 4.5 on his current boat and check its performance under different boating conditions, just to be sure what to expect. Good for throlling, who knows at an emergency...

Happy Boating

 

[64osby]

I have a 7.5 hp on a 21' Starcraft Mariner (aluminum). Pushes the boat to 5.5 mph. Never have been tested in high winds but I'll bet it wouldn't be very effective in an emergency.

 

[Dmopar74]

Well thanks all for the info. I will get her mounted up this winter and try it out come spring. If it doesn't work well enough I will eventually upgrade but I'm betting having what I got is better than having nothing!

 

[Sea Rider]

Make a fake emergency test. Go out with strong wind, current conditions and test the engine 3/4 throtttle to wot , If fails the test you have your main engine to take you back to Terra Firme. You could maximize your actual pitch prop for one that pushes better, if market available.

Happy Boating