Do I need a kicker motor?

[roffey]

Do I need a kicker motor? I don't fish that much or if I do it's mostly just casting. The waters I plan on boating on are quite long, about 250 miles long but do have boat traffic. My boat is big enough that I would not be able paddle it. I have a single I/O. I was thinking of a 9.9 or 20 hp just to get me off the water if I smoked my motor but am thinking do I really need it?

[Destroyer]

You never need anything until you need it. Being that far north I'd take as many safety precautions as possible. So, from where I sit, yes, having a kicker is a good idea.

[roffey]

That’s what I was thinking,. My boat is not huge but big enough it can’t be paddled to shore and if ,, out of gas or broken down… it would be a live saver and I think I can get a decent motor for a reasonable price. Thanks for the reply….

[macojoe]

If out of gas what you going to use for the kicker?? I always thought of getting one but never did, was always near traffic and got towed the 2 times I needed to. But its always a good idea!

[roffey]

Originally Posted by macojoe

If out of gas what you going to use for the kicker?? I always thought of getting one but never did, was always near traffic and got towed the 2 times I needed to. But its always a good idea!

LOL, and if out of gas how would I start the kicker... I guess I ment if I had motor problems,,

[Genie Aye]

Here in the NW--I run the lakes without my kicker quite often--but on the saltwater--the kicker is always on the boat with fresh gas and ready to go, just to get me in if needed--and it will happen sooner or later--I have used it several times over 35 years of boating---Crap happens.

[roffey]

Originally Posted by Genie Aye

Here in the NW--I run the lakes without my kicker quite often--but on the saltwater--the kicker is always on the boat with fresh gas and ready to go, just to get me in if needed--and it will happen sooner or later--I have used it several times over 35 years of boating---Crap happens.

I think I can get a 20 hp for $1500. Is that to much? I can wait until next fall when the deals are on...

[awthacker]

You can buy an annual SeaTow or Towboat US membership for $150 per year. I wouldn't want anything to do with a kicker. Just an expensive accessory you'll never use. Face it... You're not pushing your boat 25 miles up river with a 9.9.

[Genie Aye]

Is the boat you are using the one in your avatar? A 20 hp is probably more than you need--it is just a back up--a 9.9 would probably do the job, after all it sounds like a back up and it is just a back up that will get you in to somewhere safe.

If you do not want a back up/repatition on board your boat and you want to count on sea tow or whoever when you get in trouble--then that is up to you---but if she is going to break down--it will be at the most inopportune time--and waiting for a tow boat may not save you or your boat---but do as you may

[bgreene]

Originally Posted by Genie Aye

Here in the NW--I run the lakes without my kicker quite often--but on the saltwater--the kicker is always on the boat with fresh gas and ready to go, just to get me in if needed--and it will happen sooner or later--I have used it several times over 35 years of boating---Crap happens.

Ok everyone get out of the way - this boat has a 200 HO on it !!!