Kicker Motor

[MBurke]

Hello, I have a 04 Alumacraft Magnum 165 with a 06 Evinrude 50hp ETEC. I am thinking about getting a kicker motor for it and have a few questions. What would be some options as far as size of motor ? Two stroke or four stroke ? What if I cant justify spending alot of money ( like for a Yamaha T8) and go with a two stroke. Would it be a option to get a small premix tank and put it in the back of the boat? Need some advise

Thanks

Mike

[DinkADunk]

I sometimes carry a 3gal tank with me if my kicker motor starts acting up and needs a good cleaning. I put fresh gas (a gallon) in the small tank and a couple of cans of Seafoam and mix it good. If I run that through the kicker for awhile it cleans out the carbs pretty good and I can get back to slow trolling. Anyhow, the 3gal fits pretty good in the transom area of my Lund, I just hold it down with a bungie cord. I would imagine that it would work for your application.

[PerchJerker]

Is your 50 a tiller, if so why do you want a kicker? I'm not sure it will give you much benefit, and I think you might be better off to use a driftsock or maybe re-prop your 50 if you need to tweak performance.

But if you are going to go with a kicker .....

I would rule out the thought of a carbed 2-stroke kicker. It will run rough and smokey, and like you say it will need it's own tank. Not that a seperate tank is that big of a deal, I know guys who run seperate tanks instead of modifying the fuel lines off the main tank. But I really don't like the 2-stroke idea.

T8s and Pro Kickers are awesome motors, but any 6-10 hp 4-stroke will work as a kicker, especially on a boat the size of yours. Electric start and power trim/tilt like you get with the T8 and Pro Kicker are nice but not cheap. If you're looking to save some money vs. a T8 or Pro Kicker I would suggest a regular 4-stroke, just make sure the shaft length is right for your boat.

Rumor has it that there will be an E-tec kicker in the future. I don't think too much of the idea of a DFI 2-stroke kicker though, but who knows for sure until you actually see how one runs. But given the history of the E-tec there's no telling when (if) it might be available. But since you already have an E-tec it might interest you.

Just an fyi, I am a big fan of Merc's "twist grip shifting" tiller handle configuration. My opinion is it's the best way to go, very convenient and responsive. Sure beats reaching back to shift.

Good luck, I hope some of this helps.

[MBurke]

Thanks for the advise guys. Perchjerker my 50 is a tiller. I dont have it ideled all the way down but I dont think I will ever be able to get the slow speeds im looking for my doing that. I have a 15 pitch SS prop just to keep the trolling speed down.

Another sugestion has been mentioned, what about a trolling plate ? Have you ever used one or know if they work very well ?

I understand about the 2 stroke, but what I am realy thinking is, looking for a 6hp 4 stroke (cheap) or finding a good 6hp 2 stroke and getting a 3gal tank for the back.

Thanks

Mike

[MBurke]

Mike,

Please read forum policy before posting again. Thank you

[Fishing Junky]

I might have what you are looking for. I have paid for an ad and I'm just waiting on posting approval, so keep an eye on the for sale section. Junky.

[MBurke]

Sorry