what size kicker engine?

[oteps]

I bought a wellcraft v20 2 years ago. I spent the first summer getting it running. Only had time to take it out once last summer.
I want to put a small motor on the back incase the other motor dies. It is 20 ft long, side console walkthrough with all of the storage in the floor. I have a 175 hp mercury outboard on it now.

Another question, most of the wellcrafts I see are cuddy cabin or center console. I havent seen one like mine. Did they all sink? Or maybe they didnt sell many from new.

Sorry if they are dumb questions, I am new to the boating world. Thanks

[Destroyer]

Hi and welcome to the site. To answer your second question first, the dual console is a bit rarer than the center consol and the cutty cabins. Lumberslinger on this site has a real beauty and can give you any tips you need on keeping yours clean...

As to your first question, the simple answer is there is no simple answer. Different people use different sized engines because they want different results. Personally, I think that a 9.9 is just right, but a few people here have 15's and I think I recall someone has a 25 as a kicker. If you just want a unit to get you home than look at where you are going to be boating. If it's a lake or river you just need something to move you along... 5 -10 hp is fine. But if you're going to be in the ocean, you'll want a little more power to compensate for the waves and wind. 10 - 20 hp is better.

Please post pics of your boat... we love boat porn around here, and you'll find that there's a wealth of knowledge here about these boats in particular and boating in general.

Oh, and there is no such thing as a dumb question....

[Kracker Jack]

My dads ole' v20 had a 25 hp kicker on her. It saved our butts flounder fishing outside of Rudee inlet one day when the old 200 seahorse took a dirt nap on us!!!! we were suppose to go out to the "HOTDOG" that day to bluefin tuna fish but we stayed inshore due to weather so we decided to flounder fish. It pushed the boat well to get us in. My v20 that Im building now will have the exact same 25hp that saved our butts that day on it also.

[oteps]

Thanks, I will be looking for a 10-20 hp motor. Just waiting for some warmer weather. I am sure I will have a bunch of questions over the next couple months since I am new to boats.

[bgreene]

To me a kicker is more trouble, weight, maintainance that worthwhile:
Transom weight, fuel line, steering bar or tiller, etc etc etc.....

Not raining on anyone's parade, just an opinion........

How many times is it ever used for all that's involved ?

My preference: belong to seatow and have a gps.
If your engine quits, drop the anchor, call em' and seatow will come get you, for the minor charge of around $ 100 per year.

In the last 20 years I called seatow twice and it was almost fun......fast tow boat came right out, towed me all the way to the ramp, and said, have a nice day.

[Destroyer]

Originally Posted by bgreene

To me a kicker is more trouble, weight, maintainance that worthwhile:
Transom weight, fuel line, steering bar or tiller, etc etc etc.....

Not raining on anyone's parade, just an opinion........

How many times is it ever used for all that's involved ?

My preference: belong to seatow and have a gps.
If your engine quits, drop the anchor, call em' and seatow will come get you, for the minor charge of around $ 100 per year.

In the last 20 years I called seatow twice and it was almost fun......fast tow boat came right out, towed me all the way to the ramp, and said, have a nice day.

BoatUS or Seatow is certainly an option/necessity. But to me a kicker is more than just a "get home" piece of equipment. It allows me to troll for fish at a much slower speed than my 200, or when there is no drift going on. A lot of times that's the difference between eating fish or hot dogs at the end of the day. I don't find it any trouble at all.