Which kicker motor for my boat?

Although this is my first post, I’ve enjoyed the forums on this site for the last few years.

I picked up a used Crestliner Sportfish 1950 SST with an Optimax motor, and want to add either a Yamaha T8 or Mercury 9.9 Prokicker to be controlled from the driver’s seat. I’m leaning towards the T8, but have 2 questions.

Will the T8 have enough power to move this size of boat (trolling for walleye and northerns)? And is it a major faux pas to have 2 different brands of motors on the back? Thanks.

First off welcome aboard!!!! They no longer make the t-8, it is now the t-9. Great little more. I will admitt I do have a little bias towards yamaha, but for good reasons. I have yet to have any issues with either my big motor or kicker. If it was me I would go with the yammy. If your looking for new, like I said it is now a t-9. You may be able to find a few hold overs from last year or used t-8’s but they go pretty fast.

Good luck and congrats on the new boat!!!!
Let us know if you have any other questions

A T8 should be plenty and although the 9.9 would be more aesthetically pleasing get the motor you want. You see boaqts with mismatched kicker motors all the time. Have fun!

dd

I think it comes down to personal preferance and if you have a Merc or Yamy now. I have a Pro Kicker and I am more than pleased with it, awsome engine.

There are plenty of guys out there that have had their Yami’s painted to match their big motors. The used t-8 or new t-9 gets my vote. I will have to say that I have NOT had the opportunity to run the Pro-Kicker. I just have not had a reason to look for something else

FDR

I’ve owned both a Yammie T8 and presently a Merc 9.9 Pro kicker and they are both fantastic motors. I highly recommend either one and both would be plenty of trolling power for your rig. Add a Trollmaster to this setup and you are set!

I run a T8 on big Upper Red pushing a 1850 Crestliner loaded with gear and clients all the time with ZERO problems. I also have to say I kick the T8’s butt on regular basis. I troll for pike in 4-5 waves at 4 mph (I change props for this). The motor is running wide open and coming out of the water very often and I am yet to have trouble even if I deserve it. Great motor and I have nothing bad to say after guiding with it for four years. My guess is the T9 will be just as good.

I’ve owned both in the last couple years. The Merc has a couple of nice features in the centering straps and the shift on the throttle. IMO they are a little more cold-blooded for starting than the T8/T9’s and prone to plugging jets if you let them sit long without stabilizer.

The T8/T9 are super quiet and really tough little motors. The 2 I’ve had both started quick and clean. I sure wish they would have the twist shift.

Overall both are great motors, but personally I would lean toward the yammy’s if I was buying a new boat.

Welcome to IDO Jimmy!

Very well said Matt. I’ve never owned a Merc Pro Kicker but have fished out of boat that had one and it’s a good motor.

I’ve owned a couple of T-8s for the last 6 years and have had very good results. I currently have a T-8 on my WX2100 Skeeter and use it in the open basin of Mille Lacs sometimes trolling in 2-4 footers and it handles the big water just fine.

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There are plenty of guys out there that have had their Yami’s painted to match their big motors.

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Thanks for all of the input. Can anyone tell me what kind of shop can do this kind of painting? Like an auto body shop or other… Even though I’m very handy, I would assume this might be better done by a professional, so it will withstand the water and sun exposure.

Talk to your local dealer. They are the ones that actually first mentioned it to me. They should know where to send you if they can’t take care of it themselves.

I just realized your from Rochester. I would contact Al’s Marine.

FDR