Ranger Reatta Kicker Choice

[UTfisher]

Did a lot of research about price and options, picked the brains of others (including on this forum), and weighed pros/cons for the money. I have a '07 Reatta with a Merc 150 Opti, and finally opted to order a Merc 9.9 (tiller w/ elec start) for a kicker. Went to place the order, and the salesman tells me the 8HP is the exact same thing as the 9.9HP with exception the size of the prop. The 8HP has a smaller prop and smaller price tag (-$200), so why go 9.9HP? I tried searching prior posts, but surely anglers on this forum have already dealt with this issue.

Any thoughts out there on Mercury 8HP vs 9.9HP? Thanks for any help!

[Lovgren69]

The 9.9 version comes in a Pro-Kicker Model, which is specifically designed to be used as a kicker.

The differences between the Std 9.9 & Pro Kicker Model are the Pro Kicker comes with a lower gear ratio [2.42:1 vs 2.08:1], std 4 blade prop, heavy duty mounting bracket, and is available with power tilt and trim.

Those are the differences that I am aware of.

[BW]

When looking at the merc site, you can't get power tilt with the 8hp. The 9.9 is the prokicker as stated above and comes with the power tilt and the bigger prop for trolling. For $200, I wouldn't even consider the 8hp, unless you like leaning over the back of the boat to tilt the motor up all the time?? There would have to be a much bigger price difference to justify the 8hp. The prokicker is the only way to go with your set up!!!!

[BW]

sorry, didn't read the original post well. You were comparing standard models....woops!!! I would still check on the pro kicker model though.....big difference in my opinion!!!!

[JinxCanada]

I have a 9.9 Mercury Pro Kicker on my 1850 Reata

[UTfisher]

Originally Posted by BW

sorry, didn't read the original post well. You were comparing standard models....woops!!! I would still check on the pro kicker model though.....big difference in my opinion!!!!

No problem. In this case I want the input! First of all, I opted to go without the remote throttle and power trim. I just felt like the increased cost wasn't worth it for the way I like to troll. It's not that big of a deal or me to drop the kicker when I need to. Therefore I'm looking at a tiller model, with electric start (so it charges the battery), and a Merc so my outboards are the same manufacturer. I will also install a steering bar and Trollmaster throttle control.

I originally thought 9.9 Bigfoot as it's high thrust. I know there's benefits for this unit in wind, back trolling, and overall boat control. I don't back troll and try to avoid wind, so I felt the standard 9.9HP was a sound choice. Sounds like a few of you guys have gone Bigfoot and did it for a reason though. Maybe for the extra $450 it's a worthwhile choice? Any other thoughts?

Thanks for your input!

[ksx3]

Spend the extra now and pony up for a pro kicker. What you are not being told is that the tilt brackets on the standard 8 & 9.9 are not designed to take the punishing in tilted position running with the large motor.
I am now swapping out my 15 hp for that very reason. I know many could argue drive it slow, etc but I find myself in instances where conditions dictate a rougher ride and could break the mounts.
This coming from one who has run a standard 15 hp the last 2 seasons as a kicker.
FWIW - aside from fear of breaking bracket, would have kept what I have.

[drbrand]

You can buy a Nissan/Tohatsu outboard which is the same motor as the Mercury. They are painting them black now so they will match your Mercury main motor. Tohatsu makes the Mercury Prokicker. The one you are looking at with 9.9 power tilt and 25" shaft runs $2680 with free shipping. They are not the same gear ratio as a prokicker. The 8 and 9.9 are both 209cc displacement.

http://www.onlineoutboards.com/Nissa...Outboards.html