which kicker???

[Bogey]

I'm wondering what would be the best choice for a kicker motor, it's between an 2013/14 8 hp 4-stroke Merc or Nissan. Does anyone have any personal experience or knowledge, either good or bad?

Thanks!

Bogey

 

[DLM]

Are they not both made by Tohatsu? I know when you get down to 6hp and lower they would be Tohatsu but I am not sure about the 8hp. My 6hp Nissan on my prior boat was a Tohatsu with a Nissan decal.

 

[Steelheadin360]

Tohatsu makes all of Mercury Four Stroke from 40hp and down. With the same warranty and a cheaper price I would just get a Tohatsu

FROM TOHATSU-Tohatsu is the manufacturer of all Nissan outboards. They are identical with the exception of branding and brand label (decals). Nissan models are typically slightly higher in price as a result of the premium branding and offer slightly higher resale values. There is no difference in features, specifications, or warranty term.

Tohatsu also has a relationship with Mercury Marine to manufacture portable outboards offered by Mercury Marine below 40hp.



I am actually ordering a 8hp here very soon as well

 

[SuperD]

Dave, how was your Nissan for noise? The only knock on Nissan that I've heard in the past is that they aren't very quiet.

 

[Bogey]

My 6 hp Nissan (GREAT motor) was the exact same thing as a Tahatsu, just different decal as you say. I believe the powerhead or something like that is the same in the Merc and Tahatsu/Nissan. Bottom line is my 6hp was a short shaft and I need a long shaft since I'm going to a bigger boat, and I figured I might as well go up to an 8 hp. To show just how stupid I am, I'm curious if all 8hp motors can be tied into the big motor so I can steer at the steering wheel? I'm not interested in going any fancier than that, as I will be doing most of my trolling with my electric. I see some 9.9's and up are labeled as "pro-kicker", I have no idea what that means, but I'd like to stay with an 8 hp for cost and weight; I just don't need anything fancy, but I DO WANT RELIABILITY!

Thanks.

 

[Bduck]

I see some 9.9's and up are labeled as "pro-kicker", I have no idea what that means, but I'd like to stay with an 8 hp for cost and weight; I just don't need anything fancy, but I DO WANT RELIABILITY!

I use a late 90's 9.9 Merc 4stroke long shaft which is a Tohatsu. I don't know what "pro kicker" means unless it has some features such as a starting and charging system. Mine came self contained without these features which I can understand the value of sale. Since, I have been able to install a charging system but a starting system is not available once motors get to a certain age. Finding a junk motor with a salvageable start system is the only option left. My Merc runs greats but wish I did have a starting system which I will find eventually. My suggestion would be to purchase a motor with a start & charge system especially if your draining batteries with electrics.

 

[Metal Manipulator]

Four things that I wanted in a trolling motor. 1. Alternated for keeping my batteries charged, electric start, power lift, and last but not least is the ability to have a steady stream of hot water for my wash stations ( a guy on Ifish makes a zinc plug with a 1/8" hose barb that threads into the original place). The only motor that meets all of these requirements is the Yamaha 9.9 Hugh thrust. It has been a god kicker and is very quiet.

 

[mrmike]

All I can do is pass on is experience when I purchased my kicker and when I asked around everyone/everyone stated mostly guides that I personnel know and deal with you want the Yamaha look around on almost every guide boat there kicker is the Yamaha 8 or the 9.9 with we all know the 8 isn't anymore. Good Luck on your choice with your sled with is a big boat if you have to come in on your kicker with I have down a few times that 9.9 is really nice

 

[DLM]

Dave, how was your Nissan for noise? The only knock on Nissan that I've heard in the past is that they aren't very quiet.

It was not all that loud, but because it was a single cylinder engine there was a lot of vibration. I would tell anyone to get a twin instead.

 

[Bogey]

Thanks guys!

 

[kokanee_slayer]

I've beeen running a 9.9 Yamaha kicker for 3 years and love it. It's quiet, reliable and with the alternator, keeps the batteries charged. However, I had to switch to a lower pitch prop to get my trolling speed low enough to fish for Koks.

 

[DLM]

I've beeen running a 9.9 Yamaha kicker for 3 years and love it. It's quiet, reliable and with the alternator, keeps the batteries charged. However, I had to switch to a lower pitch prop to get my trolling speed low enough to fish for Koks.

I have the same concern about the 9.9. What size is your boat?

 

[SuperD]

David, with a 20 footer and any kind of a deep V, you shouldn't have any problems. Looking at the single axle trailer, I'd guess K_S boat is closer to an 18'.

 

[kokanee_slayer]

David, with a 20 footer and any kind of a deep V, you shouldn't have any problems. Looking at the single axle trailer, I'd guess K_S boat is closer to an 18'. .

My boat is a 16 ft so I agree that if you have a larger boat, you may be OK. If memory serves, the factory prop was a 7 and I dropped to a 5 pitch. I was real close with the factory prop but had to have it idled way down against the stop and if there was any type of tail wind, I had issues. If you end up going with the Yamaha 9.9, give it a try and if you have to swap props, I don't consider it a big deal. As for me, I wanted to have a spare prop anyhow.

 

[DLM]

I thought it was probably about an 18 also but wanted to make sure. On my 16" Alumaweld Talon I had to keep the 6hp at it's lowest idle to go slow enough. The Talon is a very light boat though.

 

[SuperD]

Reading MHarri333's post yesterday, I'm all twisted up about the idea of a fuel injected kicker. I wonder if Yamaha is close to having this available or already does.

 

[Mharri333]

I had the 8hp Merc on my Lund. It was quiet and efficient. I put the Trollmaster remote throttle control on it though. That made life better. Trying to get it to the right speed and keep consistency is tough with a tiller handle.

 

[Bogey]

I've never fished "fancy" before, so while I've heard of some of these terms, I have no first hand knowledge - what exactly does the trollmaster remote throttle do? (LOL, I can assume speed) But does it give you a speed control at the cockpit and if so, then is it wired back to the motor? It's not like a cruise control where it will maintain a certain speed will it? AND, how much $$$ does something like this add to the cost of a motor? OH, and can you buy and after mark speed control and attach to any kicker?

LAST dumb question, can any kicker be attached to the main so you can steer from the wheel, or does it have to be a certain kind of motor matching up with a main motor - or is it simply buy different brackets?

Sorry guys, but I've never owned any kind of kicker other than my little tiller steer Nissan 6 hp!!

Thanks

 

[Mharri333]

http://www.cabelas.com/product/TrollMaster-Pro-Digital-Throttle-Control/1159878.uts

Here is a link to Cabellas. They carry the Trollmaster.

It is basically a servo or tiny motor connected to your kickers throttle. It allows you to incrementally adjust the throttle by turning a knob on a wired remote control. The TM3 allows you to add a remote left and right turn to the kicker as well. Remote steer but not autopilot per se. It is 300 bucks as opposed to 3k.

I had my main and kicker connected together for steering. Both were mercs but the connector looks universal. Mine was on the boat when I bought it from Master Marine.

 

[Bogey]

Thank you!