Adding a kicker 10 25 HP looking for anyall recomendations

[jon]

" Hi,

I'll be buyi

" Hi,

I'll be buying a kicker this year, for use mainly as auxillary power, but it's secondary use will be trolling. Last season I experimented with a couple different setups; first using the tiller, and then using controls with the steering rigged off the main motor.. this time I'm just going to put in a second steering console, with electric start and controls.

What I'm trying to figure out is how much HP it's going to take to move my boat at 10 MPH.. I want to be able to travel at a reasonable pace when I break down 20 miles away. The boat is a 21 ft alum startcraft cheiftan, my best guess on the weight is 2500 lbs.

I've heard that the 4-strokes work better as kickers because of their low end torque... but, most of the people I've heard this from are using them for trolling and only have 10's. Is it possible to just pitch down the prop on the equivlant 2-stroke and get the same results?.. Or does anyone know if there is any truthe to this at all?

I'm thinking I need something in the range of a 20 HP.. but the 4-strokes weigh a bit too much in that range (150 lbs), and the cost difference is fairly large. Any comments/advice would be great.. I'm hoping someone out there has a kicker with an equivlant boat (sail boat even) that could tell me what the top speed is. Thanks,

Jon "

 

[humblechoice]

" I switched to a Yamaha T25 f

" I switched to a Yamaha T25 four stroke from a Johnson 20 , I found that the four stroke idles better and very smooth at slow trolling speeds. Most two strokes don't like slow speeds(at least the ones that I have had.) Much better gas mileage,and a lot of torgue for a small engine. It pushes my 21' without any strain. Havn't broke down nor have I used it to bring in the boat from any great distance,however I have no fear that it would let me down. "

 

[jon]

" Humblechoice,

Th

" Humblechoice,

Thanks for the reply, How fast does it push your 21' ?

Jon "

 

[humblechoice]

" Never really pushed it , mai

" Never really pushed it , mainly for trolling, however I think that I traveled on slocum creek here in Eastern North Carolina on a real calm day around 10 mph next time I go out i'll make note and let you know. "

 

[Frank Kapp]

" Hi Jon,

I have a Dusky 23

" Hi Jon,

I have a Dusky 23' cuddy cabin with an eight horse power big foot 2 cycle engine as an auxilery power back up. I slow troll live baits with it in the warmer months. I bought a steering rod with swivels and snaps that attach it to the main engine. (225 hp outboard) This way you don't have to have a second fuel supply or anything else and I can remove the engine and use it on my sailboat. The cost was about $30.00 and the motor bracket was about $125.00. The 8hp kicker moves me at or very near hull speed at 2/3 power. I can handle moderate winds with no problem although when both wind and tide are against me it is slow going, but still I can do it. I am in the Florida Keys. (Big Pine Key)

Best regards,
Frank "

 

[jon]

" Thanks for the help guys; Hu

" Thanks for the help guys; Humblechoice, be sure to post or drop me a line next time you go out.. You guys are lucky, NC or florida looks real nice from NH this time of year.

Jon "