Who's got a kicker and do you use it?

Airslot · #1 02-28-2007, 01:33 PM

I'm thinking about putting a kicker on my V. As you can see, I already have the bracket mounted from the previous owner, and I know he used his kicker...

I'm strongly considering a 9.9 kicker. How does that weight effect the boat? I'm thinking to use it for trolling. BillyMac, isn't that your game?

Thanks for the help

C YENSEN · #2 02-28-2007, 01:44 PM

Well my boss used to have a 22' grady and he used the kicker all the time. 9.9 horse, we used it in the shallows so we did not get any mud in the main motor, he even had one of those bars that tie the two together so you can still steer with the steering wheel. I would highly recomend it based on the experiences I have had with it on his boat. he had trim tabs like you so even though the kicker added some weight to the one side he could balance her out. ;D

willy · #3 02-28-2007, 04:11 PM

Up till yesterday ::) I had a 9.9 on my boat. Same location Air.
I used it for slow trolling and as a main motor for fresh water lakes here with a 9,9 restriction. At max throttle would push my (I mean Kevins) V to exactly 10mph. I did not have the tie bar though I think that would be fine, I just steered with the main motor as a rudder and if in shallows sat on the stern and used the tiller. Worked great and the motor weighed about 70 lbs so it had no observable effects on the boat.

Blue_Runner · #4 02-28-2007, 04:15 PM

Weight hasn't been an issue at all with my 9.9. Can't tell its there.

The only issue, and I don't even call it an issue, is its a little hard to get it raised back up after using it. I keep some wd-40 on the hinges.

I love it for slow trolling in the channels. Can go as shallow as the hull will allow. Just knowing I have backup propulsion makes me a happy boater! Its gotten me off a couple of sandbars too.

Also there's a nice restaurant on the local lake that has some skinny water right out front. I will motor up to 3 ft of water, kill the engine and drop in the kicker and mosey on up to 1.5 ft to dock the boat and have dinner, which is something only a skiff or pontoon would normally do.

Best part yet, these older Johnnyrude kickers can be had for $500 and less and run like sewing machines.

Mines a '75 model and you'd never know it. My dad thought it was a late 80's or even early 90's model by looking at it. ;)

You won't be sorry.

Airslot · #5 02-28-2007, 05:00 PM

Thanks guys, and more reply always welcome.

Hammerhead · #6 03-01-2007, 02:34 AM

Air,
I hava 6hp Johnson...it's a two banger and will only push the V20 6 knots. I use the helm to steer as well. It's perfect fpr trolling but, kinda light for running under emergency conditions. Get the 9.9

Airslot · #7 03-01-2007, 02:40 AM

I stopped and looked at a new Merc 9.9 4stoke after work today. Man was it perty ;D

Only 84 pounds too

spareparts · #8 03-01-2007, 11:24 AM

what shaft length are ya'll using on your kikkers? I've got a short shaft 15, will it work on my V?

Blue_Runner · #9 03-01-2007, 02:18 PM

20" is the preferred. If you are planning on using it in calm waters it might be ok. If not you might consider getting an extension for your lower unit, which would require some mods I would assume.

You want that lower unit to stay in the water and with the short shaft the lu is more likely to come out of the water on swells and waves. Shifting weight inside the boat can cause it as well. With the 20" there is no worries in that dept.

Just so you don't have to, please allow me:

Quote:

If not you might consider getting an extension for your lower unit.

My wife has been trying to talk me into this for 10 years ;D

Airslot · #10 03-01-2007, 02:35 PM

Well, to add to the challenges...

My kicker bracket has been on the boat for who nows how long. It looks brand new, but is locked up tighter than a drum. Can't get it to budge. Corroded where the alum bracket is intersected by stainless bolts. Just another little hitch along the way.