Adding a kicker - yes? no? maybe?

[SteveWilson]

I have an '04 18' Lund Fisherman with a 140hp Johnson 4-stroke that is now finally broken in. After getting it broken in, I'm happy with the performance of the boat/motor while on plane and trolling (1.7hp). My wife suggested getting a kicker in case the main conks out and possibly for trolling. I'm looking at getting a 4 stroke Johnson 9.9hp with remotes so I can control it from the console. Kicker would be mounted on a panther lift. Any comments on that setup? Good? Bad? too pricey (about $3.5K rigged). Also, what prop would you recommend so that I can troll fairly slow (1.2mph would be nice) but still get the boat home in a pinch. Thanks

[kpj5br]

I use a 15HP Merc 4-stroke kicker on my boat, but it's a little bigger (21' Crestliner).

With the kicker, I can troll down to 0.6 mph, and top speed is about 9mph.

As for your wife's comment, I did use the kicker to get back to the launch just last weekend. My main motor did not die, but the alarm beep started going off. It was super nice to have that kicker to start up instead of risk having whatever caused the alarm to start to do permanent damage to the big motor.

It is extra cost, and many days I never start up the kicker, but it is an awesome feeling of confidence to have it sitting back there!

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Jon Keller

[This message has been edited by Rick (edited 09-22-2004).]

[chunkytrout]

Hi Steve. #1. "Your wife recomended..."
Go for it man!
#2 She's right. Back-up can be handy or in some cases crucial.
#3 As far as your (ideal) set-up, I could only dream of that combo. I'm pretty confident it would treat you well. Good luck with it and happy trolling!

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chunky

[Northlander]

A good kicker is a must if you fish big water Like Lake of The Woods or Lake Superior etc. It sucks using a electric trolling motor to get back in and thats if you can get in. If the wife is ok with it go for it. You may want to look at the Yamaha T8 kicker. Nice!

[FullTilt]

Check out the yamaha 4-stroke T8 before you make a decision. It has a high thrust prop for pushing big boats and it has a built-in power tilt. I spend a lot of time back trolling and this is probably my favorite piece of equipment in my boat.

[susi-4man]

I have a 1800 fish also and have a 15hp ls and it has been working good.
A question on your setup-- What prop do you have on your 140hp and what is your top speed
also what hole did they mount the motor to the transom on?
thanks