kicker
 

after discussing my motor situation with my advisor (tx skoolz) i have decided to give my 175 a chance. if it does blow i will be able to find a motor cheaper in the winter. with that decision made i think for peace of mind i should buy a kicker motor. so if she does blow i wont be stranded. plus i want one for trolling anyway. my boat already has a kicker bracket on it. i'm thinkin 9.9. do i need long shaft or short? any advice or leads will be greatly appreciated. tx

Re: kicker
 

Longshaft for sure. Short would be ok for calm water but in any seas the rocking will make the shortshaft come out of the water. I'll see what I can find. There are normally some good used motors out there in the $400 - $500 range.

Re: kicker
 

Lots of short shaft out there, but did find just a couple of longshafts...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/YAMAH...44836961QQrdZ1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Johns...40225985QQrdZ1

Re: kicker
 

tx bud. i been watching ebay also but, i always miss stuff for some reason

Re: kicker
 

y'all think a 8 hp will push it?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/JOHNS...mZ120041766434

Re: kicker
 

The HP needed for a kicker depends on what you want to do. Almost any small outboard 5hp+ will get you to about 8 miles an hour in calm water and even a 25 hp won't get you more than 9 mph. This is due to the limits of the displacement hull speed of a 20.5' boat (not on plane). The differance is if you need to fight a head wind and waves? Still you won't go faster but with more thrust you will be able to over come the resistance of the wind and waves. I totally agree you want an EX-long (20")+ kicker. What height is the current bracket mounted at in relation to the hull bottom?

Re: kicker
 

I like that Johnson!!

Re: kicker
 

Looks nice...why no pictures with the cover off?

Re: kicker
 

the Boat guys from NC are good guys bought alot from them. you can trust them. I like that 8 HP.