Kicker Motor 9.9 vs 15 hp Suzuki EFI

[bobco]

I 'm looking at adding a kicker motor on a 1999 starcraft SFM 176. Im not much of a troller but would like one for emergency . We run 35+ miles into nowhere at lake powell and would like to know I can get home if big motor quits. Been looking hard at the Suzuki EFI 9.9 and 15hp, I dont need trim/tilt or electric start so it looks like they both come in at 98 lbs, a little more weight than my old 9.9 mercury I had on my ranger. So 15hp is a few $100 more than 9.9 , any reason not to get the 15hp ? looks like same prop on both motors so low end speed should be about the same, but top end on the 15 should be better. thoughts?

[buckmaster7600]

You’re not going to get much if any more speed from the 15, neither will get you on plane.

I went from a 9.9 2stroke twin to a 6hp 4 stroke single cylinder on my winter boat and lost .1-.2mph.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Grizz86@]

An electric start will also give you battery charging. My previous boat was a Starcraft SFM 170. It had an 8hp Mercury electric start manual tilt & trim. Electric start was nice and also provides battery charging.

[ColoGregS]

The 15 hp has an actual alternator than can charge your trolling motor batteries. The 15 hp would probably push your boat at 8-10 mph rather than 5 mph of the 9.9

[rswan]

I have a suzuki 9.9. It pushes my boat 8-10 mph depending on the wind. If is really windy sometime 6-7 mph is achieved. Get one with an alternator. The suzuki despite being fuel injected will rope start and change your main battery; which would likely be a top reason you couldn't start your main motor. This has helped me two times. My Suzuki puts out 12 amps if memory serves properly.



3500lb boat 18'6" long.

[sbennett]

Bobco,
I travel Powell like you do.
I put the electric start Suzuki 9.9 on my boat.
Rope start back-up/12 charging amps= an emergency generator bolted on to the back of your boat.
The peace of mind it brings while being way back in a canyon is priceless!

[TomP.]

Never have had to use it but that is one complaint on my T8 is there is a place for rope start but you have to remove a plastic clover over the top of where the rope goes to start it . If it would be designed to snap in place instead of bolted on would help.

[dvl2700]

bought a Suzuki 15 hp with electric start, tilt-trim. It came with a power thrust prop for trolling slow. You can change out the prop for regular use. I bought a different prop to use on a small 14 foot aluminum boat. Easy to switch props or you might want to order it with the regular runabout prop. I like the Suzuki. Check around for availability. I keep hearing of shortages or low inventories.

[Mooner]

Originally Posted by rswan

I have a suzuki 9.9. It pushes my boat 8-10 mph depending on the wind. If is really windy sometime 6-7 mph is achieved. Get one with an alternator. The suzuki despite being fuel injected will rope start and change your main battery; which would likely be a top reason you couldn't start your main motor. This has helped me two times. My Suzuki puts out 12 amps if memory serves properly.



3500lb boat 18'6" long.

I'd sure like to know which prop you're running on your 9.9 and getting 8-10 MPH. I get just over 6 on mine and your boat is bigger. Thanks for the info.

[seaotter]

Suzuki 9.9 E start power trim on my 2025 Pro V with the 4 blade trolling prop. 6 MPH is about it. However it would beat paddling or swimming. and the 12 amp alternator is a good thing to have.
Have a great day.
Jim