need kicker for 28'

[Beaconhill]

I need a kicker for my 28' foot aluminum boat. What size should I be getting If possible I would like a 9.9 since I have a smaller boat that I go to pymatuning with. I only need it for less than 3 mph the big motor will slow down to that. Right now I use a drift bag to slow down but I don't want to put that many Idling hours on the big motor. I can use the big motor for more than 3 mph or if the wind kicks up. I fish out of vermilion. Thanks in advance for any suggestions

[Sparky]

I called Nautamatic Marine in the northwest and asked them what boaters use for trolling out there. They told me that the Yamaha 9.9 HT was very popular and has been used on fiberglass boats over 30' long. So, that is what I bought. I haven't heard of the new Yamaha 8 hp HT being used on any boats that large yet.

[Jigging 5]

I don't have the answer for you but I will tell you I have a 9.9 Merc. 4 stroke kicker on my 18' Tundra which is an easy boat to push and top speed is around 5.5-6 mph tops on gps. Your boat is 10' longer it may push it at a good trolling speed but I think it will be running some higher rpms. Good fishing.

[Rat]

My recommendation would be for a larger motor. That's a good sized boat and I am assuming at least a cutty cabin. Better would be a 20hp that could run a low rpm. Most importantly you just might be looking for that kicker to get you home one day in a wind. Been there done that.

[bluelund]

Beaconhill,

I have a 15 hp Mercury 4 stroke on a 2250 Lund aluminum boat, this motor does an excellent job trolling at low speeds. I would recommend it in a heartbeat. I can slow down to almost nothing and still get 6-7 mph at wot if needed. It is so quiet that sometimes I have to put my hand on the cowling to make sure it is still running. Well almost, but it is a nice engine. Hope this helps.

Take care and good fishing,

Bob M

[johnp034]

I ran an older 10hp Honda on a 28' wooden Chris, (pretty heavy) and it did a fine job for me. However, I would also opt for the 15hp if I was going to do it over. I have a 7.5 Honda on my present boat (21' Center Console), and it does a fine job, also. But if I were to replace it, I would go with the 15hp. The problem is, those old Honda's never die, so I don't know when I'll have to replace it!

Johnp034

[Sparky]

The reason that I specified the High Thrust model is that it is supposed to give the low end push of many 25 hp standard kickers. After running one I would agree with that. It has different gearing and a much larger prop. If you are also investigating ways to steer your kicker give Nautamatic a call (800)588-7655. Their new Gold unit might be of interest to you. It isn't cheap but, once you use one it's tough to do without. You can also ask them what the larger boats on the west coast run for kickers. That will take some of the guess work out of it. It's worth the call just to check on what they use for a kicker out there.

[T-Mac]

T-8 or T-9.9 Yamaha are designed for this. They are used on many large sail boats and cabin boats. They have a very large, high-thrust prop, low gears and will push as hard as a 25. They don't work well as a main engine on a small boat for those same reasons, however. Power, yes. Speed, no.
The T-8 has power tilt available. The T-9.9 does not have integral power tilt, but can be hooked up with a Panther tilt or a MinnKota tilt.
I agree with Sparky.