kicker question for Alumacraft Competitor 175

[bpswing]

I am trying to figure out which kicker to use for a Alumacraft Competitor 175. I have 2 motors I could use. a 9.9 Honda 4 stroke that weighs 92 lbs (short shaft) or a Honda 5 HP 4 stroke (long shaft) that weighs 60 lbs. Anyone want to offer any advice? I dont see where you install the bar connecting the 2 on the 9.9. Thanks BP

[Gary Korsgaden]

What year 175? What motor do you have on the back for the main engine?


If you fish a lot of large bodies of water then go with the 9.9, inland smaller lakes the 5 hp would be good. The 9.9 would be smoother as it is a twin of course.

I like my boat to lay flat in the water, so if you can offset the weight your good. The transom can hold either.

Just my thoughts I am sure most would recommend and go with the 9.9 I am a little eccentric regarding weight at the transom for back trolling applications and lean towards keeping the weight at the transom as light as possible

If your boat is a wheel then the 9.9 for sure your weight is more forward

[bpswing]

Its a 2012 with 115 HP Yamaha 4 stroke. I too am concerned with the weight factor at the transom. Im assuming the transom could hold either?? only a 32 lb difference in weight.

[vteye]

I have a 115 yamaha on my Dom and troll just fine with it. Typically
however I am not targeting eyes as not the dominant species in NE.

[bpswing]

Should I be using a long shaft or short shaft kicker on this boat?

[yamaha1973]

Originally Posted by bpswing

Should I be using a long shaft or short shaft kicker on this boat?

Long shaft

[bpswing]

well my 5 hp is a long shaft and the 9.9 is short. Would it matter just at trolling speed?

[yamaha1973]

Originally Posted by bpswing

well my 5 hp is a long shaft and the 9.9 is short. Would it matter just at trolling speed?

If its calm it might work, otherwise I think it would pull the prop out of the water.

[Gary Korsgaden]

From the top of the transom at the place your mounting the engine to the bottom of the transom, take a measurement. if it is anywhere close to 20" you will need the long shaft as a example

[bpswing]

Does anyone here use a short shaft kicker on a similar boat? Just wondering how it would work.