Kicker Motor Questions

[RockLaker]

Hello boat experts!


I have a '73 15.5' Crestliner with a '93 Johnson 40. This summer I plan on taking it on an 80-90 mile trip along the shores of Georgian Bay, Lake Huron. That said, I'd like to put an emergency kicker on the boat just in case the 40 takes a dump.

1) What size outboard would be needed to push this boat in moderate wind? Would a 2 hp do it?

2) Judging by the photos, could I put the kicker on the transom next to the big motor or would I need a kicker bracket?

3) Would a short-shaft kicker work on the long-shaft boat?

4) How loud would a 2 hp be compared to say a 4 hp? I've never had one but I've seen 2s go by and they sound like a 2 hp egg-beater. :rolleyes:


http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e71/ckarppi/Crestliner/IMG_3499.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e71/ckarppi/Crestliner/IMG_3500.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e71/ckarppi/IMG_3617.jpg




Thanks!




Chris,

Sudbury, Ont.

[kenJ]

I've use a 5 hp on my 10 ft inflatable. Loaded it will not get it on a plane. Your boat is bigger and for a trip like that will be heavy. Would think you should be looking in the 6-10 hp range, especially if you are fighting the wind/current. Unless you can get the prop below the transom it is going to aerate and/or cavitate. Plus you don't want the extra drag. Suggest going with bracket, you can find ones that swing down when the motor is in use.

[Lt. Holden]

One can assume, according to Murphy's Law that the time you will need the kicker is when the water is going choppy as a storm rolls in and you are miles from safety. I would opt for a minimum of 10 h.p. preferably 15.
The bracket is highly recommended. Your transom is not too high, you may be able to use a short shaft, but a long shaft is probably a better idea. You will likely need an extended tiller handle unless you use a tie-rod to the main engine with a separate throttle/shift control. If you use the tie-rod make sure you can operate the kicker with the main engine tilted up (to reduce drag).
Also it will pay dividends to optimize the prop to the task at hand based on fully loaded weight and anticipated water conditions; maybe a 4 blade high thrust prop. There are some very knowledgable folks here that can help you with that, I would start a separate post once you have selected an engine.
You could go to Glen-L's website and with an acccurate weight number get a decent estimate of speed based on hull type and horsepower. Perhaps some of the propellor makers can fine tune this estimate based on different prop specs.

[rasorinc]

Yamaha makes a high thrust series of outboards. These are VERY powerful engines. I have seen the 9.9hp push a 30', 12,000lb fishing boat. Their 8hp would probably plane your boat. http://www.yamaha-motor.com/outboard/products/subcatspecs/4/specs.aspx

[RockLaker]

Thanks for the tips, guys.


A swing-down kicker plate with a short-shaft motor would be best. Regrettably, I just gave a mint one away a couple years ago. Shoulda hung onto it.

I could go for a longshaft and put it on the transom, but then it'd be pretty useless since it couldn't really be used on small boats or canoes. I really think an 8 or 10 would be way too big considering the size of the boat. With an 80 lb kicker on a 20 lb plate on the side of the boat it'll sit lower on that side for sure.

With your advice, I'm thinking a 3.5 to 4 may be good. I would only throw it on the boat when taking it on longer trips. And since this is a trihull which is not desirable in big water, it'd almost always be staying near the shores. If the big motor dies, I'd just need something to take me home, regardless of how long it takes.

And I like the idea of putting a load-prop on it. Never even thought of that.


Before purchasing, I think I'll try to borrow a small motor whether it be a 2,3,4,5 and see how it pushes it. A dealer here is selling new non-current 2007 Suzuki 2.5s for $599 CDN. Could be nice provided it'll actually move the boat. :)


Thanks again.



Chris

[rasorinc]

Good idea to try out an engine. Try the 5 hp first and see if it is to weak or to powerful. Then factor in current, if any, and a 20 knot head wind. Then you will have your best answer. Stan PS put some weight in the boat. 500 more pounds in people, gas, etc makes a huge difference. That and a 20 knot wind off the land could push you out not in so you do not want to under power.

[mydauphin]

I would go for 5hp simply because 5hp weights about as much 2 hp but provides much more power. A 5hp should move you at 7knots. The only way your going to go faster is to plane your boat you will need at least 15hp with a empty boat, then you have another big motor on you boat. A 5 hp 4 stroke is about as much as any normal person can easily carry or handle. A 15hp 2 stroke is bit heavier, a 4 stroke 15hp is too heavy.

[ondarvr]

I had a boat very similar to yours at one time, a 2hp motor will be almost useless and a 5 might be OK. I used a 6, 9.9, and an 18, the 6 and 9.9 did fine, many of the older 15's are the same size and weight of the 9.9's so they'll work well also. While there are many very good new high thrust motors, the cost will be higher than what I think may want to pay, look for an older name brand motor in good shape and you should be fine.

I had a bracket on mine, there just isn't much room for a kicker without one.