4 Stroke Kickers

I bought a new to me rig last fall(Lund 2025 Pro-V) and need to put a kicker on it. I know that the Yam T8 is a great motor because a buddy has one on his 19′ Alumacraft but even on that boat it seems a little under powered. I’m thinking a 15hp would work better. Any thoughts?

Under-powered? That’s the first time I’ve heard that about that particular motor as the T-8 has low RPM thrust as its strong suit. Is he speed trolling for salmon? A T-8 will push a Ranger 620 with grunt to spare… a 19′ tin boat shouldn’t be a problem.

If you want the best kicker motor available, the T-8 is the way to go. And no, I’m not sponsored by or affiliated with Yamaha.

The new (last year) Mercury Pro Kicker 9.9 HP motor is a awesome kicker motor. Mercury came out with it to compete with the T8. Is it better than a T8? I don’t know. I have never ran a T8, but the Pro Kicker is also geared for a low RPM, high thrust/power. It does not have the high end speed, but I’m guessing that is not what you are looking for. I had used mine last year for Pulling boards out on Mille Lacs and Fall trolling for hours on end. I also use it to back troll, when I’m bouncing in 3-4 footers. It is great to have taht instantaneous thrust/power and boat control when backing into those rollers. It is a very well thought through motor, with a ton of little engineering ideas that makes it easier to handle (user friendly) on the water. I know, I have saw this motor on plenty of “Tournament” 2025 Lund and 21′ Tracker boats last year. I also know, it makes my boat rip(182 Tournament Series Crestliner). I give Mercury’s pro Kicker two thumbs up

If your looking to buy one, can’t go wrong with LaCannes Marine, give Nick a call. Last year, I shopped around the cities and found LaCannes to have the best price and their service is top notch If you want to come over and see mine. I’m located in Blaine on North side of the cities, about an hour and 10 minutes from Sartell. Also, I’m not sponsored/ affiliated with Mercury or LaCannes

I have T8, on the back of my 192 Tournament, and it has never let me down. It has more than enough power to push my boat around 6mph upstream (this was done for close to 7 miles last spring) and the ability to idle down for trolling or three waying on those calm days. It is used all year round and has always started fine.

-Richard

I have the t-8 on the back of my 620. No problems with power there is pleanty there. Starts good runs quiet and smooth. The t-8 would get my vote

I have a T-8 kicker on my 18 foot fiberglass Warrior and love it. I troll planer boards all over Mille Lacs and this motor has enough power even against the big rollers.

All companies make a small 4-stroke outboard. Only two companies actually make kickers. Yamaha makes the T-8, Merc has the Pro Kicker. To drop nearly the same money on an “outboard” when you really want a kicker would likely result in some serious disatisfaction down the road. The built-in trim/tilt is beyond user-friendly, electric start with an alternator keeps the batteries charged and all the lights on even on those long, late nights trolling in the dark on mille lacs. The hi-thrust, low-RPM props are incredible at low speed boat control.

Marine Specialties in Red Wing, MN has NEW T-8’s for sale for $2100 that last I heard.

If you have a dual purpose for the engine, such as duck hunting, then a 15 horse is great. For fishing only, my T8 out pushed the 15 horse that I had on. And yes Marine Specialties has 2 tillers and 2 remotes left at $2,190.00. When my G3 185XT comes in at the end of the month a T8 will go on it. Great engine. I sell them so I do have an interest, but they really are a great engine. If you want a 15 horse I can get you a great price on that also.
Paul

A Yamaha T8, is kind of like a guitar case with martin or gibson on it, it screams STEAL ME FIRST!!!

Be sure and use bolts thru the transom the best locks and make sure your insurance dude knows you have one.

Thanks guys, exactly the opinions I was looking for. I’ll be looking for a 9.9 Merc pro or the T8. Thanks again, CC

i have a 2025 pro-v with a 225 opti. i put the t8 kicker on it. that motor has power to spair. at WOT it pushes the boat at around 6mph. that is in flat calm or very windy/rough conditions. the mercury pro kicker was not on the market when i bought the t8 (PRO KICKER WAS ABOUT 6 MONTHS FROM BEING AVAILABLE) take a look at both motors and make your choice. t8 gets my vote…………tom fellegy

I have a 9.9 Merc (prior to the pro) with hyd lift that pushed a 2025 Pro-V at 5MPH.

Sometimes I’m too worried about re-sale, however I think mixing manufacturer’s on main and kicker motors can make for a tougher sell in the future.

T8 pushed my 1850 Crestliner Fishhawk just fine and is currently moving my 620 just fine. Never had a problem yet……. Good luck shopping!

I fished with three different guys on Mille Lacs this past Fall and all three boats had the T-8. It was an excellent little motor. Smooth, quiet, electric start, electric tilt/trim, and I’d swear it has a built-in walleye whistle!

I hate to sound like a broken record, But I have owned a 2003 and a 2004 merc 9.9 4 stroke and although I never had the pro kicker I prefished with Ted Takasaki during the flw champonship this year and we trolled for 12 hours with his new pro kicker, it did perform flawlessly however I don’t think there is anything that compares with the T8

I put a 9.9 Pro kicker on my 619 in 05 and I love it! Its super light and doesnt miss a beat! Tons of power when I need it and I can hover in one spot handlining. ( idle down to no movement in current)
My next boat will have one also!!!
Before the pro kicker came out I was set on a T8 But It wouldnt match my Optimax without a paint job.
Either one you will be happy with.