How big a kicker needed?

[cdavisdb]

You don't need much horse power, just torque. I have an 8 hp hi thrust Yamaha kicker that works (when it works) much better than a 15 hp 2 stroke I used to have. Performance down wind is roughly the same, maybe slightly better with the Yamaha, but add some chop and wind in your face and the Yamaha is MUCH better. My conditions are not nearly as rough as yours. I'd ask around and find someone else with a hi thrust type engine.

Fair warning. My experience with the Yamaha has been BAD! I bought it new and have had repeated expensive failures. The tilt system is complete crap. Other wise, the motor as been an unreliable system that, by its nature, needs to be super reliable.

[Xcomunic8d]

Thanks cdavis

If I got yamaha’s I’d probably get twin 200’s. Even their rep steered me away from the 350. But the nearest Yamaha dealer is on the other side of island about 1.5 hours 1 way. That’s a pain.

What length is your shaft and how did you set it up on your seafari 25?


I do have zuke and Evinrude (used to anyway) at a nearby guy.

[bigeasy1]

Originally Posted by cdavisdb

You don't need much horse power, just torque. I have an 8 hp hi thrust Yamaha kicker that works (when it works) much better than a 15 hp 2 stroke I used to have. Performance down wind is roughly the same, maybe slightly better with the Yamaha, but add some chop and wind in your face and the Yamaha is MUCH better. My conditions are not nearly as rough as yours. I'd ask around and find someone else with a hi thrust type engine.

Fair warning. My experience with the Yamaha has been BAD! I bought it new and have had repeated expensive failures. The tilt system is complete crap. Other wise, the motor as been an unreliable system that, by its nature, needs to be super reliable.

I also run a T8 Yamaha high thrust four stroke on my Tsunami. it will troll al day without missing a beat. Performs great when seas are less than three ft. Wide open throttle is a whopping 7mph. When seas are 3' or more I use the outdrive with trolling bags to slow me down to Salmon speed about 2.5 to 3mph.
I've had good luck with the little yammie it's 9 years old and no problems it runs like a watch.I'm knocking on wood now.