Kicker motor?

Howdy folks! I’ve been reading here for a long while and sure am impressed with this board. Fun and informative… a Great combination!

Now, my question. I have a Sea Nymph Fish-n-Ski boat with a fairly narrow motor well, but want to add a kicker motor for trolling. Can’t fit one in without offsetting my primary motor. Will that work or am I asking for trouble? I thought about adding a plate outside the motor well, but that would put the kicker too far off center. My primary motor is a Johnson 60 h.p.

Next question, are 4 strokes worth the extra bucks for use as kickers. I have an old 15 horse Suzuki that I have considered using. Whadya think guys?

Would something like this work???

http://www.cabelas.com/texis/scripts/store/+/CatalogDisplay/displayPOD/CabFALL1998/CabFALL1998AUASAD/IB248O

I wish I had the answer to your dilema! But I thought I’d stick a word in for the 4-strokes. There is getting to be a pretty good selection but I’d have to say yes, they’re worth it, especially the Yamaha’s. I don’t own one myself but I know what my next motor IS going to be. All I hear is how great they are and when I’m around them, all I hear (if anything!) is how great they sound! Excellent fuel economy, good power, and they can run quiet enough that you can still carry a “normal” conversation from the back of the boat to the front of the boat. They’re a good thing and if it can work into your plans, I’d go with one. Good luck with the project!

Most people that I know who have a kicker motor have it mounted pretty far off to the side. I don’t know why this is a concern, especially if it’s for backtrolling.

I have the same problem on my boat, and have thought about adding a jackplate to one side for a smaller motor. The electric seems to work just as well in all but the heaviest current & wind.

Rooster

Jon J. gave you a great link to the type of product you’ll be looking at to add a kicker motor. Panther also makes a good kicker lift in a manual or electric version. Don’t consider moving your main motor to accomodate the kicker. Man would that cause handling problems! If you already have a small 2 stroke engine available, go that route. The 4 strokes are a better product for the application… but not so much that a perfectly functioning 2 stroke automaticly needs to be replaced by a new 4 stroke. You’ll get a little smoke, it will be a bit louder, and you’ll still be stuck mixing oil for the little motor but it will get the job done.

James Holst

Moving Waters Guide Service

http://www.movingwaters.net

We ran a 10 hp Merc kicker on my dads boat for years using the type of product John J. mentions. Off center is no problem… We trolled many miles for Lake Michigan Salmon using this setup and it always worked great…

Great response guys. I believe I will try the old motor I have first, using set-up from Cabela’s. Thanks John J. and everyone. I already have the wheels turnin’, for soon the river here will be stable and low enough to start trolling the clam flats. I have used electric in the past, but sometimes cannot generate enough speed, especially on windy days. I believe if this set up works as expected, I’ll probably break down and buy a 4 stroke in a year or two. The old Suzuki runs great now, but is 21 years old and can’t have much life left. It has been through a lot! Thanks again to all for the GREAT response. I am really going to like this site. Maybe enough that I’ll even learn how to type!!!!!

For me the challenge isn’t typing so much as I wish I could learn to speak!! LOL!