Kicker motor

[SnellTier]

Hi ...

I am considering a new rig. So far I have only had a main motor and a bow mounted trolling motor.

What do you see the advantage of a kicker motor to be? Is it for planing/trolling in conditions that my bow mounted trolling motor cannot handle? Are there other pluses?

tomd

[RANGER]

Mine is on the boat for 3 primary reasons:

1) Trolling

2) Restricted hp lakes here that are under 10 hp. I have a 9.9.

3) Should I lose the big motor, I have another one to get me home. Especially when on the Great Lakes.

These are not in any order. I use the electric trolling motor for contour fishing or when casting and working shoreline. Also, in conjunction with the 9.9, I can use the Auto Pilot TM for keeping a heading while the gas pushes it along. Poor man's Autopilot! ;-)

[Jim Ordway]

For long term trolling and speed control the kicker is the answer. The kicker also serves as an emergency backup should your main motor fail.
The question is, are you into trolling enough to justify the cost. If you are a light user, a stern mount electric may be more cost effective.
My 2 cents,