Is this kicker too small?

[dabirdsman]

I have an '03 Lund 1800 Pro Sport with a 115 Johnson and a bow mount maxuum pro 80 lb thrust. I've read a lot of thread about having a gas kicker not only for trolling but for insurance to get back to the dock if something happens to the big motor. 8hp and 9.9's seem to be the kicker of choice for a lot of boats. My local dealer has an '05 Johnson 6 hp kicker (which matches my big motor), too small for my boat?

[Jerryv]

It might be a little small if you are pulling downriggers on Lake Michigan, but for walleye fishing, it should be great. Just make sure the shaft length is right for your transom.

If it is too windy for a 6hp, it is too windy.

Jerry

[maxxum]

I had a 6 hp on 1900 crestliner it pushed the boat just fine. Great little motor. If it is priced right and works for you it should be a great addition.

[dabirdsman]

J & m,
Thanks for the input. Nope, haven't trolled on Lake Michigan, only perch fished, though I did get a trout stamp this year. Took it and another boat to Erie two years ago for a three day charter, but never got it in the water. I'll check on the shaft length and if all is well I'll probably go for it.

Mike

[dabirdsman]

Looks like I got shafted.....

[yarcraft91]

Not necessarily. If you are willing to install one of these adjustable-height motor brackets, a short shaft kicker will work just fine:
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...-box.jsp.form1

[Further North]

Originally Posted by yarcraft91

Not necessarily. If you are willing to install one of these adjustable-height motor brackets, a short shaft kicker will work just fine:
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...-box.jsp.form1

I had one of those on a previous boat and it worked just fine.

[dabirdsman]

[quote=yarcraft91;1230611]Not necessarily. If you are willing to install one of these adjustable-height motor brackets, a short shaft kicker will work just fine:
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...urnPage=search-

Thanks, I was unaware of that bracket

[Hot Runr Guy]

also, measure from the transom lip to the bottom of the hull off on the side, I've run a short-shaft kicker many times. The hull will not be up on plane, so it is deeper in the water, the only real downside is that you can't reverse very well, since the thrust is blown against the transom.
Here's an example of a 15" (on the left) and a 20" (on the right). It might not be as bad as you think.
HRG

[rebs]

[QUOTE=dabirdsman;1230696]

Originally Posted by yarcraft91

Not necessarily. If you are willing to install one of these adjustable-height motor brackets, a short shaft kicker will work just fine:
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...urnPage=search-

Thanks, I was unaware of that bracket

see if the dealer will allow you to set it on the transom so you can see where the prop will end up. HOt Runner guy is right, it might just be fine.