Help Convince the Wife

[Bill]

Please give advice on these two issues.
#1. Wife says; "Give me three good reasons why we need a kicker motor!" We have a bow mount trolling motor already.
#2.Dealer wants $2900 for 2000 9.9 Evinude 4 stroke w/controls (installation included) or $2200 for 1998 (color matched) 9.9 4 stroke Johnson w/controls (installation included) both motors are new, in the box, with full warranties. I am leaning towards the 1998 because its much cheaper and it would match the boat and motor in color. The question I have is, does anyone know of any problems with 1998 4 stroke 9.9's or is the 2000 Evinrude a better choice? Thanks for any input.

[Starfish]

On topic #1-- first, if you spend any time in fast-moving rivers or heavy winds, having the extra oomph that a gas kicker can provide is priceless. But for a selling point for the wife, I would stress the ability to safely return to port (albiet slower than planned) if your big motor takes a powder. Typically you can still push 6-8 knots with just your kicker. If you're on big water that can be a significant safety boost.

For topic #2-- I'd probably go for the 1998 unit but I have no idea if there are any problems with that model year. For four-strokes I highly recommend the Honda, though I've had good luck with three 2-stroke Evinrudes.

Good luck!

[N.D.]

If your electical system "crashes" you have power option.Also, in the event of inclement weather, the kicker is a better choice.
As for your wife,update one of her tools of trade.
best.

[REW]

Unless you are going to be trolling for hours on end in very windy conditions -- I have to side with your wife.

I have been there and back a couple of times. I have been without the kicker for the last 5 or so years, and have very rarely missed it. I have a very strong bow mount, and find that when that won't work, the kicker probably wouldn't have been big enough anyway. Then I just go to the big motor, and if necessary, throw out a drift sock.

I don't miss the extra weight or hassle of the kicker at all.

On average, I was only using the kicker about 5 or 6 times a season, and I am more than content with the performance of the bow mount.

I especially appreciate the fact of watching others using the kicker and not catching fish, then going over the same area witht eh "quiet" electric and snapping a few walleyes in their wake.

"Spook" factor is certainly present.

Take care and good luck in your delima.

REW

[baron]

You messed up big time. You should have updated one of wife's tools of the trade, THEN brought up the subject of new motor. It works. Sometimes. A couple of years ago for our ann. I bought the wife a refer/freezer and I bought a new Pin-Point system. Of course the refer wasn"t the only thing that was cool for awhile.
As for motor, go for the cheaper one.

[Phil T.]

The 90hp main engine I traded off in 1997 was the OB from ****. It would lose an ignition module or two every year. My '77 vintage kicker brought me back to my trailer at least once/season, as well as providing trolling speed at much better fuel economy. Old backtrolling habits die hard. I still prefer to fish with a kicker, even though I finally bought a decent electric a couple years ago. As for expense, I bought a 4-stroke main engine for druability and compatability with modern gasoline. If it's a small one, a 2-stroke engine will last as long or longer than a 4-stroke. My main engine gets run about 100hrs/season, the kicker probably more than that. So, if the smell of burnt oil doesn't bother you, 2-stroke engines suitable for kicker duty can be found for a lot less money (about 1/2) than the thousands you're mentioning.

[Todd_NE]

REW,

Very Respectfully, I'm not convinced that electrics always spook less than gas motors. I have personally fished on numerous occasions where gas motors did not spook shallow fish. In fact, the electric motor is in the water while the gas powerhead is in the air. I've listened to both under the water and I'm not so sure that the electric motors spooking "less" is necessarily true. The biggest thing is probably your personal confidence and preferred method of boat control.

I would add that from the standpoint of a tool for serious trolling, safety, and fuel consumption there is a place for kickers for many anglers.

[acp]

Some have suggested upgrading the wife's tools as a prelude to discussing adding a kicker.

If I were to upgrade one of my wife's tools for anniversary, birthday, Christmas, etc, she would probably burn my boat.

Now a trip to Hawaii or some such "upgrade" most definitely would go a long ways in my case! But then again every woman is different, that's what makes them so interesting.

Later....

Al

[Bob G.]

Depending on the waters you fish and your fishing style, I'd consider the kicker. Actually, unless there is a significant difference, meaning improvement of the 2000 model over the '98, I'd think that the '98 would be the choice.

Now for the hard part-wife convincing. I humbly offer the following:
1)Safety- if your main engine goes kaputt and your out there bobbing away in 4 footers about,..oh, let's say, 10 miles from the launch, and the seas are building, well, she may need to consider if she'd like you home. HEY!, strike that, tell her to consider if she needs that steady income you provide.
2)"less bucks in the long run"- boy, this one is a
real weak one but try it anyways. Since you do
alot of trolling (doesn't matter if you do or not, but use this anyways), just think of all the gas money you are going to save and all the maintenance costs you will save by not trolling with the big motor. I know, and you know this is
s.t..r...e....t....c.....h....ing it, but hey, it might be another point on your side. CAUTION:
DO Not Use This if she fishes with you,..she'll know if the trolling thing is BS or not.
3)Because you have this, ahem, "need", and as you
mull over the cost of the 2000 model,..hey...you figured it out! You can buy that 1998 model, and be a real hero for all the money you'll save!
4) Because you'll now push for the sensibility of
purchasing the '98, you know what.., IT EVEN MATCHES! Women do love to accessorize, you know.

In the past, every time I've considered getting rid of the kicker, something crops up where I really needed to have it. The last time was when
I was 6-8 miles off shore on Lake Michigan and the
voltage regulator on my main motor took a powder and caught fire. Was real glad to have the kicker
on that day.

Good Luck.

[Fishnwiz]

Bob G.........LOL :} Good answer!!! I like the part about matching motors!! Wiz

[ChesterP]

You said that you needed 3 reasons to help convince your wife for the purchase of a kicker.
1. It's very necessary in just about all fishing techniques. It uses much less fuel(we all need that nowadays), it's much quieter, plus, if it matches, what't the argument.
2. Take your wife out to a very nice resturant, her choice. Help her with the housework for a month. And, pick up after yourself.Oh, and keep telling her how much you use the kicker.
3. Ditto for #2

[walli]

If all else fails tell her you need it so you can put more food on the table. If you use this line you must remember you have to keep a straight face. After you use this line you will see a blank look go on her face - hang in there and keep the straight face. Use this only as a last resort.
walli

[EYESON]

I CAN ONLY ANSWER TO QUESTION ONE WHAT I DO IS TRY TO PUT THE DISCUSSION IN SOMETHING THAT MY WIFE IS PASSIONATE ABOUT. EX. SHE PLAYS TENNIS I COULDN'T SEE BUYING A NEW 200.00 TENNIS RACQUETTE BUT WHEN I LOOKED AT IT IN A FISHING SITUATION IT MADE SENSE. A KICKER MOTOR IS A BIG SELL BUT IF YOU DO IT OVER A NICE DINNER AND PLAY IT UP IN HER EYES,AND PUSH THE SAFTEY ISSUE SHE WILL SOON SEE THE IMPORTANCE. GOOD LUCK ALL WILL WORK OUT

[jimbo2]

Just look her straight in the forehead and tell her " A mans gotta do, what a mans gotta do, and I'm gonna do what you tell me to!! and thats final!!!!
So, I don't want to hear alot of whinning, so I'll shut up now, got it?!?

She will be laughing so hard she won't notice that new color matched kicker on the back of your boat as you pull out of the driveway!

[bob oh]

I gotta agree, I can't image buying the wife a "tool" and then myself a "toy". Wow, the toy wouldn't fit where she'd put it!
Bob

[redeye]

Bill try this.go fishing when you know its going to strom. instead go to your favorite watering hole have some beers and watch the game, then go home late and start cursing the trolling motor and tell her this wouldnt have happened if you had a kicker motor. worked for me. good luck.Redeye

[ranger1]

Take the 98 and praise the wife for at least a month. Just remember, they don't forget anything and it may be a couple of years down the road, but she will ask for something like new carpet for the house, remodel a room, a new car, etc. When you come to this point, don't say no or else you will loose all future ability of purchasing new toys for the boat. Remember, THEY NEVER FORGET!!

[art]

Hey Bill, here is another thing to do. Always, always, always tell her how beautiful she looks first thing in the morning even without make-up on. Although my wife still tends to spook the **** out of the dog.LOL

[jimbo2]

My sympathies, I hope you feel well enough soon to go fishing....

[TerryMac]

The fear tactic works good on wives...Heck you could die out there, and she could ,too...if your main engine conks out.
Man you need that kicker..it could be life and death. That kicker could get you home safe.
I know this must be true, because everbody that breaks down always tells us they "could have died out there".......
This ploy will work if you are careful not to let her know about VHF radios and cell phones.
Hey the fear deal works...I see guys using it on their wives all the time as we sell them a kicker.
Go with that johnson....same motor, different paint.
Good luck !

[Gomez]

SAFTY, What would a tow, or life be worth,?? Been there, done that, U S C G towed me in 5 mi. out in Lake Huron, with 4-5 ft. seas, won'thappen this year, I hope, will receive 2000 9.9 long shaft Big Foot, in about 4 days, 2.K is a little $$$, but I feel a little more secure about returning home to keep on paying the BILLS, and to fish a nother day, DO IT MAN, WHO'S IN CHARGE ?? don't be gut hooked, FISH ON !!!!

[Mayfly]

My answer to question #2:

Would you be living in the house or apartment you're in if not for your wife? Probably not. Therefore your 120,000dollar house is your wifes, not yours. If she can have a $120,000 tied up in a house, why can't you spend $20,000 on any dang boat you want?

[Someday]

Just do what I did.--- Buy some linecounter reels and rods. Then tell her you need a kicker so you can use them.

[jumbojim]

take her out in your boat and kill the big motor. make sure your in some good waves. then have her try to drive the electric while you pretend to be working on the big motor.
tell her you are sorry all u wanted was a nice time with her.
apologize about your equipment.
then when she is sea sick and finally mentions thatyou need that kicker motor click the emergency switch back to run and head to the dealer
jumbo