Kicker Motor

[Orangewhip]

I have a 20 ft. Lund Alaskan with a 70hp tiller Suzuki four stroke.
On the starboard side I have a 74lb thrust Vantage trolling motor. On the port side I am considering a 9.9 or 15hp Suzuki ( same engine )kicker motor for safety purposes. I am concerned about the additional weight.

Never having a kicker I am concerned about making the right decision.
At a 100lbs is it too much weight? Can I get by with a smaller engine? I like the idea of having the same motor. What about a mounting bracket? And who's bracket? Any Idea's?

I fish the big waters. I'd really appreciate any feedback.

Thanks!

[Jose]

I feel your concerns...I was concerned about the same issues you have. I have a 21 ft. center console...this boat rides high in the bow right out of the factory. I was really concerned about adding a kicker and a gas tank to rear of the boat and forcing the bow higher. I ended up getting a 8hp Mercury and using a Garelick offshore bracket. To solve the high bow problem...my dealer suggested adding weight to the front or install some trim tabs. For a temporary fix I added a 60# sandbag in winch compartment in bow of the boat until I get some trim tabs.

I didn't have a decision about using a bracket or not. There is not enough room next to the big motor to put the kicker. I honestly believe that if you don't need a bracket then don't use one. Using a bracket simply moves the weight of the kicker back farther multiplying the effect on the bow lift. If you use an adjustable bracket...you may want to make sure you get a kicker with a long shaft.

For safety reason...I wanted a larger kicker to get back to shore quicker if needed. But felt that the extra weight wasn't worth it. The 8hp pushes my boat(2600lbs) about 5-6 mph. I figured that is enough if a guy had to use it...just don't expect to get back soon!

Hope this helps,
Jose`

[Tom]

i have a 17 ft deep v with a 40 and a 9.9 kicker on L. side and a trolling motor on the other, i wasn,t sure about the extra weight but its not a problem, i also installed a motor bracket for the kicker but took it off when i saw how far back it set the motor back way to far for me so i mounted it directly to the the boat and it worked out great so i don,t think you,ll have any problem adding the kicker but i would go at least 9.9, mine pushes me along at 9 to 10 mph.


Tom

[larrym]

I have a 90 hp 2 stk and 15 hp 4 stk kicker on my 17' Lund Angler. Total motor weight about 400# and it's not a problem. Also have a couple of batteries back there but boat comes up on plane quickly and easily. I did add a panther lift and like the power tilt but it does move the motor back 6-7" and will cause the tiller handle to bump thr main motor if mounted on the right side. Without the bracket and the resulting 6" set back there is enough clearance. Somthing to look at/ think about befor adding the bracket.

[JK]

I have a 20' Crestliner with a 200 hp and a 8 hp kicker. It does tend to ride a little bow high, but with the equipment upfront in storage plus the forward livewell filled it levels off. You should be ok with yours.I am putting the splash plates on this year, to help prevent water from going over the low point on the transom. You may also wish to consider this.

Having the kicker motor is nice especially when fishing the big water. As for the bracket, it depends upon available room on your transom, and how best to mount it.

[Orangewhip]

Thanks to all that responded!