KICKER

Will A 3.5hp OR 5hp MOTOR BE GOOD ENOUGH AS A KICKER MOTOR ON AN 18FT BOAT?

Depends on the 18 foot boat. If is just an open 18" row boat, it might be fine. Most engines that size are only 15" shafts, and won't work on a 20" transom worth a hoot.

Hey T-Mac,

Is there not an adapter a guy could use to make a 15" shaft work on a 20" transom?

[shadowman]

there may be an extension for the motor but they arn,t cheap.

I'd say it depends on your needs.

If you ever need to use the kicker to get home in rough water, more power provides much better control. I want an 8 for a kicker on my 16 for backup on big water if I can manage the weight, but there are guys happy with 8's and 9.9's for trolling with not trailered boats (25 ft or maybe bigger) on erie. Diff is I assume they plan on being towed if they ever break down.

A friend used a 2.5 on a heavy glass 15' bass boat because it was that or the 115 hp. Worked for him.

I have a tired 6 hp evinrude long shaft with a 3 blade prop that pushes either my 84.5 " beam 16 or another guys 94" beam 18 at 5 mph. Both multispecies tin boats but the 18 is welded. Speed measured with gps. Used to get 6 mph when motor was fresher.

A not tired 6 hp short shaft johnson with 2 blade prop pushes the same 16 at 4.4 mph. Prop does not clear bottom of boat.

Hope this helps,
jc

Yes most likely there is an adaptor and it is cheaper than buying a new motor. Type in Bay Kits under search and your should find them. Thanks Chad