Kicker Comparison

[TheOtherLine]

So, I'm back on the kicker kick and the more I inquire, the more confused I get.

Started out thinking that a t9.9, 20" shaft was the correct solution to my kicker problem.

Then, someone tells me that the 20" shaft on my 25" shaft primary motor, on an Armstrong bracket, is too short. A 20'" mounted on the transom, might work, but not on a bracket. In other words, in rough seas, the 20" shaft will be out of the water as much as it would be in the water. OK. Makes sense to me.

Then, someone else tells me that's BS. Furthermore, the 25" shaft will drag in the water as I am getting ON plane. Once on plane, should be ok, but getting ON plane.....drag. (is that so bad?)

Then, someone tells me to buy the t8. Essentially get the same speed may 1/2 per mile per hour less but not noticable enough. PLUS, the t8 comes with a manual start (rope pull) built into the cowling. The t9 does not. If you lose power, you have to take the cowling off the t9, wrap the rope around the flywheel etc.,.. (that's an advantage to the t8 in my book).

The displacement on the t8 is 197cc's . The displacement on the t9 is 323cc's. Do cc's matter. the t8 weigh 5 lbs less and has a 6amp alt versus 10 a.

The t9 is about $2800. I can get a brand new in box 2006 t8 for $1800.

I dunno. Any opinions, observatios or comments?

 

[Brian S]

Check out my thread here:

http://www.classicparker.com/phpBB2/vie ... ple+limits

I have the 2008 T9.9 which is only 212cc and 20" shaft. I have had no issues using it in terms of the length, only on one or two occassions has the motor cavitated due to swell, but is was only after getting tossed by a huge wake. The 25" shaft would drag even tilted all the way up. I know you plan on mounting to the bracket so I'm not sure about the difference but I love my setup. Mostly use it for slow trolling for halibut, yellowtail and sharks.

 

[TheOtherLine]

Brian,

I see that you have your kicker and main motors right on the transom. In that case, i understand, that it's generally NOT a problem. I think it has something to do with hanging it off a platform.

I think EfishDoc has his hanging off a bracket. Let me go look.

 

[samsims]

I have a t8 25" shaft on a bracket(2320), haven't noticed any issues from dragging in the water, haven't noticed it dragging either. Go with the t8, you wont notice the difference, esp for $1k less. I think the 20" shaft will work, but the 25 keeps the prop in the water when the water is rough. My last boat had a 9.9 20" shaft, top speed is the same as the t8, the 9.9 would cavitate more often in rough seas.

 

[John_Madison CT]

If you have an Armstrong bracket and your using their (Armstrong's) kicker bracket, you need a 25" shaft.

I have a 9.9hp Yamaha 4 stroke (25") kicker on my 25' Parker. A 20" shaft wouldn't work at all, period.

There is no drag either. When not used the engine is tilted up.

Look at this old thread:

http://classicparker.com/phpBB2/viewtop ... ght=kicker

 

[TheOtherLine]

Hey John,

I saw your pic and sent it to the dealer I am buying motor from. After seeing your pic, he said definitely get the 25". I will be using the same bracket you have.

Now the final question is T8 or T9.9? I assume neither one will be able to help me much in 4-5' seas but I am not worried about those conditions. I just want to be able to putt home, in relatively calm seas, if I lost the main motor or both batteries died.

What I like about the T8 is the pull cord in the cowling and the price!

 

[John_Madison CT]

I don't think you'll see any real difference in the 8hp vs. 9.9hp.. Go for features and price.

Glad you're getting the right one.

 

[TheOtherLine]

So, just out of curiosity, ; If a 15hp weighs only 10 lbs more than the 9.9, all other things being equal, why wouldn't one use the 15hp>?

 

[Megabyte]

So, just out of curiosity, ; If a 15hp weighs only 10 lbs more than the 9.9, all other things being equal, why wouldn't one use the 15hp>?

Because even with 15 hp, you'll never be able to push the boat faster than hull (displacement) speed. The extra hp would be wasted.

 

[TheOtherLine]

So, just out of curiosity, ; If a 15hp weighs only 10 lbs more than the 9.9, all other things being equal, why wouldn't one use the 15hp>?

Because even with 15 hp, you'll never be able to push the boat faster than hull (displacement) speed. The extra hp would be wasted.

Makes perfect sense. I knew there was a reason, I just didn't know why.

Thanks Kev.

 

[TheOtherLine]

yer think that extra 5.1 hp will be wasted trying to climb the back of a 6' swell, or trying to spin boat around at dock?

:?: What are you suggesting :?:

 

[captbone]

Depending on how you plan on using it, the 8hp should be fine 99% of the time. I would also suggest installing a tie bar and remote controls. I would hate to sit on the bracket and steering.

Optimaxfish-I do see what you are saying with almost 50% more power out of the 15hp kicker. It is a valid point. I am a nice weather sailor so it would not matter to me but a hard core fisherman may matter.

In calm seas (hypothetical)

8hp= 5.5mph top end
15hp=5.7mph top end

But when heading into a 25kt head wind with 4ft seas

8hp=2.2mph top end
15hp=4.5mph top end

 

[Megabyte]

Is the 8 hp considered a 'hight thrust' model as the 9.9 is?

 

[TheOtherLine]

Is the 8 hp considered a 'hight thrust' model as the 9.9 is?

Yes, they now make an T8 Four Stroke High Thrust, which has a different lower unit gearing and prop than the standard 8HP.

I am picking it up tomorrow and will start installing it as soon as the kicker bracket arrives from Armstrong.

 

[captbone]

I just made those numbers up but it paints a clear picture of the point about hp with the kickers.

If it was up to me, I would have gone with the 8hp High Thrust also. It will be all you need.

 

[Brian S]

I use a ez steer tie bar to connect to the main motor. If there is any wind on the water, using the main motor as a rudder does not work very well, especially if you are using the kicker at a very slow speed to troll.