Best 4 stroke kicker

[Trapper John]

I want to know what you think is the best 4 stroke kicker motor for a 18.5 foot boat. Thanks

[Mac]

Yamaha 9.9. Had one for 14 years and no troubles.

[REELMAN]

Another vote for the Yamaha 9.9 4 stroke. Only one thing to say about it, "THE BEST".

[FISH PRO]

Trapper, I have a 1994 Yamaha 9.9 hp with the high thrust prop on my Skeeter 1850. It has continued to run flawlessly over the past six years. I couldn't ask for a better kicker!

[FROGMAN]

Yamaha T-8 high thrust four stroke with power tilt. Unbelievable the way it performs with my ZX 2050! I would purchase another one in a heartbeat. Good Luck

Keith Segar
NPAA #260

[outlaw]

obvisly these guys haven't been in a boat with a honda kicker
the honda is much quieter abd smoother the only drawback is the control cabels are more likly to be in the way.

[gonfishn95]

I had a Mercury til this year, Got the new t-8 from Yamaha with the power lift super fast up and down and quiet I fully recommend the new Yamaha.
Larry NPAA 273

[TJ]

I bought a Honda 9.9 four years for my Lund Tyee 1850. Loved it so much I kept it when I sold that boat and hung it on my new one, a 2000 Ranger 619. All I've ever do is change the crankcase and lower unit oils once a year. Had to change spark plugs for the first time last fall. I have electric start on mine so I can charge the starter battery as I troll. The steering and throttle are tiller, but I tightened up the steering so I can steer with the big motor (most of the time). The motor hangs on a Panther 35.

Honda has a new High-thrust 9.9 available. Personally, if it would save some weight, I would probably buy an 8 hp motor next time. Just don't need the speed in a kicker.

The Yamaha T-8 with the built in lift is intriguing. That would be something to consider as well if it's weight was significantly less than the combined weight of the Panther 35 and kicker. Then again, I'm sure if the tilt on the T-* is as strong as a Panther. Maybe someone that has experience with both could comment. Maybe next time...

TJ

[FROGMAN]

The Yamaha T-8 weighs about 83 pounds including the self contained hydraulic tilt. Pretty light for all the performance you get out of it. I agree with you in the fact that 8 hp is enough for all my trolling applications as well. Tight lines

Keith Segar
NPAA #260

[Sparky]

Do you run much in the way of electronics and does the T-8 keep up with charging? That was my concern. I have a 9.9 HT and love it. I believe the T-8 has a 6 amp output and the 9.9 HT a 10 amp output. Someone wants to buy my 9.9 HT but, I'm reluctant due to the low charging capability of the T-8. I run a video fishfinder, VHF, GPS, Loran, 4 electric downriggers, and a sub-troll. That doesn't include the troops playing tapes in the stereo. After 8 hours of fishing, my onboard charger tops off within 15 minutes of plugging in at the dock. My 9.9 HT has me spoiled. It also uses only 2 gals. of fuel for 12 hours of trolling. Gas price? Who cares after making it to the dock.

Sparky

[predator]

Yamaha 9.9-Have one 6 years old and runs awesome. many hours of abuse on this motor. IT traveled the whole m.w.c circuit 3yrs and has never missed a lick. Pushes a 18' lund just fine.

[FROGMAN]

WOW, do you think you could find room on your boat to hook up a TV and VCR? Just kidding! Thats a lot of stuff. You are correct in that the T-8 is rated 6 amps @ WOT versus 10 amps for the 9.9 @ WOT. Now I don't think you run at WOT when trolling so this is somewhat of a gray area, but if you have reservations about whether it would kick out enough I would add a second battery with a switch. When I'm trolling I run 2 sonars, two livewells, VHF, and occasionally some tunes and have never had a problem, but if you cycle your elec. downriggers a lot it could hurt you. Good luck

Keith Segar
NPAA #260