Help choosing kicker size

[chiroken]

Hello everyone,

I've got an '07 Maxum 1800MX Bowrider with the 135hp Mercruiser. I am going to add a 4 stroke kicker mounted off the rear swim deck. This boat weighs 2000lbs. I am wondering if a 6hp kicker will be able to get me to safety if called upon. Smaller the hp the better, less weight and less cost.

I will use this kicker periodically for salmon trolling (pacific northwest) and hopefully never as an emergency back-up! Most of it's use will be family "playing" both fresh and salt.

Thanks in advance for any comments.

[ondarvr]

A 6 will work, bigger is better, but a six will only have problems when the wind and waves get bad, in calm water there won't be any issues.