Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Igotsnagged on March 03, 2020, 02:40:14 PM

Title: What size kicker?
Post by: Igotsnagged on March 03, 2020, 02:40:14 PM

I’m getting myself in to a 1825 Kingfisher falcon but I’m not sure what size kicker I should put on. Is there anyone here with this boat that could put their 2 cents in?

Title: Re: What size kicker?
Post by: Spawn Sack on March 03, 2020, 04:53:00 PM

My dad has same boat. He has an 8hp Honda 4 stroke. Moves boat along quite well for trolling. He could have gotten away with a L shaft but went XL and is glad he did. Does not cavitate even in a good chop.

I think an 8 or 9.8/9.9 four stroke would be ideal. Don't get a single cylinder 4/5/6 hp in my opinion. They buzz/vibrate a fair bit. Twin cylinder 8 and bigger much smoother.

The ultimate would be a high thrust kicker but probably not necessary.

Title: Re: What size kicker?
Post by: mikeyman on March 03, 2020, 07:03:20 PM

I run a 9.9  yammy 4 stroke high thrust. Awesome for trolling. Runs all day. Never fails.

Title: Re: What size kicker?
Post by: Igotsnagged on March 03, 2020, 07:41:09 PM

Thanks guys, I was thinking a 6 might be too buzzy. I’ll probably go with the 8.

Title: Re: What size kicker?
Post by: firstlight on March 05, 2020, 02:04:11 PM

Id go 9.9 if i could choose.

Title: Re: What size kicker?
Post by: santefe on March 05, 2020, 03:21:40 PM

Make sure it is either an 8 hp or 9.9 hp, they are both 2 cylinders.  They will run smother and quieter than 1 cylinder 5 or 6 hp motor.

Title: Re: What size kicker?
Post by: Damien on March 09, 2020, 06:53:32 PM

Food for thought, 8HP weighs the same as a 9.9HP.  Go with what the dealer says.

Spend the extra couple hundy.


PS, the Hewes is better.
 ;D

Title: Re: What size kicker?
Post by: skaha on March 09, 2020, 07:04:45 PM

--I use 9.9 on my 17.5 ft alum.  Electric start so it charges my batteries for downriggers. Also found it was quieter than smaller 5hp honda 4 stroke and smoother.  The higher hp on larger lakes just in case I need it to get back home if I have an issue with the main motor. I also carry a small gas tank so I can plug it in direct if there is a fuel issue...I usually run it off of the main tank the extra can is for emerg.
--Boat speed can be an issue especially in saltwater with tides...if you will be using in areas that run strong tides a 15 hp may be more appropriate...same weight as 9.9
--Can't remember for sure I think I get about 10 mph a wot with the 9.9, might be higher as not something I was concerned about as I mostly run in freshwater no tides. NO issues with the 9.9 propelling the boat in heavy winds if I had to motor home with it but for trolling, control in higher winds I have to use the main motor. I usually troll upwind or crosswind with the main and then drift downwind using the motor or bow mount electric for steering.

Title: Re: What size kicker?
Post by: Igotsnagged on March 14, 2020, 09:07:23 PM

Well I went with a 9.9 electric start, and I’m not so sure the Hewes is “better”.  8)

Title: Re: What size kicker?
Post by: firstlight on March 15, 2020, 12:40:21 PM

Thats the right one foresure.
What brand did you end up going with and why if you dont mind?

Title: Re: What size kicker?
Post by: Igotsnagged on March 16, 2020, 07:55:51 AM

I went with the Yamaha to match the main

Title: Re: What size kicker?
Post by: firstlight on March 16, 2020, 05:39:06 PM

Nice.
Make sure you run Chevron Premium in that.
Those engines dont like the cheaper gas .
Or at least ones a little older didnt.
I have a 2002 (15hp)  that i have to use the good gas in or i have to take the carb apart and clean it.

Title: Re: What size kicker?
Post by: Igotsnagged on March 23, 2020, 07:05:28 PM

Always have, always will 8)