What Size Kicker ??

[Joe Suits]

What size kicker motor would be the best choice for my 18' Mr. Pike? 4hp,6hp, 9.9hp etc. Twice a year I fish Mille Lacs, the rest of the year I fish local lakes 14,000 acres being the largest lake.

[Guest]

5-7.5% of the max rated horsepower.

[Mykal]

Suits, what is the size of your main motor? Is it a 4-stroke? You may not even need one unless you don't have a bigger electric motor to cover the lower trolling speeds.

[Joe Suits]

The Main motor is a 2002 Mercury 125 2-stroke.

[Guest]

I run a 9.9 hp 4-stroke Merc on my 18 ft Targa, which would be similar to your boat. I would not want any less power, especially in windy rough conditions when I need some oomph for boat control.

[Mykal]

I imagine you won't get that motor to troll down much below 2.0 mph. I have a 90 2- stroke and can get down to about 1.5. if I tilt it up a bit. However right now the bite is calling for speeds below 1.0. I use a 50lb electric to do the job, but I have a Angler SS 16.3 ft and use two batteries for trolling juice. Sounds like a bigger electric on the bow or that small kicker would be in order like Pro Crappie Guide mentioned. GO with a 4-stroke kicker. The 9.9 is the same weight as the 15.0. (111 lbs) and comes in remote or tandom options. It alos has manual or electric start.The 15.0 is not much more an I was told it is the better deal right now from what my Lund dealer. The 6.0 is only 55.4 lbs and is manual start only. Either way. Go with a 4-stroke kicker. Good luck.

[Joe Suits]

Do most of you use the kicker with a tiller or tie it into the console steering?

[Guest]

I use a tiller, but not by choice. I could not find a connector system to the big engine/steering at a price I thought was right.

With tiller it is harder to see instruments and creates balance problems depending on passengers. Fishing alone, No sweat.

[Mykal]

There is also a remote option, that lets you control the kicker from anywhere in the boat. Not sure of the cost though.