Trolling motor for offshore boat

[capefisher85]

I have a 255 Sea Pro 255 with a single Yamaha 300 HPDI, and I want to get a small (yamaha probably) Kicker Engine for trolling for Mackerel. I know my engine can it is just it is costly to just troll around with a 300 HPDI (even tho it idles on 4 cylinders) it takes a lot of gas and a lot of Yamalube. Also, I don't want a problem like a lot of the other 300 HPDI owners with fouling plugs and stuff. So my question is:

1) What size engine (t8, t9.9, or maybe even bigger?)

2) can I have the throttle controlled through the throttle for my main engine?

3) What size shaft for a boat that has a 30 in. main motor (20 or 25?)

I know I really want this, also if my main goes down, once I get towed back (or Drive bakc with kicker), I can troll down to the marina that is in the adjacent canal to mine.

[crash1371]

That is properly a great idea. We used them a lot on the west coast trolling for salmon. I used a 15 HP on a 22' boat. How are you going to mount it ? There is a lot of great stuff on the market today. I went this route years ago I looked on ebay under motor mount , I have bought one from there and worked great, for my needs back then. Wish you the best

Edited April 7, 2010 by TimW Texas

[capefisher85]

That is properly a great idea. We used them a lot on the west coast trolling for salmon. I used a 15 HP on a 22' boat. How are you going to mount it ? There is a lot of great stuff on the market today. I went this route years ago I looked on ebay under motor mount , I have bought one from there and worked great, for my needs back then. Wish you the best

Thanks for the reply. The Sea Pro 255 has a euro style transom, and it has plenty of room for another small kicker (If Not two)

[MichaelR]

Capefisher:

Get a 9.9 Hi-Thrust with electric tilt, mount it on a bracket, and have an EZ-Steer connected to the main engine.

To explain. The 9.9 Hi-Thrust (most engine makers have this option because you have better speed control with the larger prop) and not go into having a higher horsepower engine (both a 9.9 and a 15 will only get the boat going at hull speed or 5-6 knots) and, therefore, you don’t need to spend on the larger motor.

Get electric tilt. My first kicker didn’t and it’s dangerous raising the motor in high seas. I almost went over the side trying to raise in a large wave situation.

EZ-Steer connect both engines so you can use the main engine’s steering to direct the kicker.

Why a bracket is because, if it’s the fixed type, it is really solid and will last. The variable type are finicky and, as I said, not the best in rough seas.

You could have a complete control box installed to manage the kicker but it’s not necessary. I did and that’s because Elly steering the boat while I tended the rods could put the kicker into neutral when I yelled, “Fish on!” However, if you can reach the kicker and put it in neutral easily from where your rods are then go that route.

One last to make this a Really Good Kicker: buy a prop guard so that trailing lines don’t get caught in the prop. Losing a fish this way is not a happy time.

MichaelR

[capefisher85]

Capefisher:

Get a 9.9 Hi-Thrust with electric tilt, mount it on a bracket, and have an EZ-Steer connected to the main engine.

To explain. The 9.9 Hi-Thrust (most engine makers have this option because you have better speed control with the larger prop) and not go into having a higher horsepower engine (both a 9.9 and a 15 will only get the boat going at hull speed or 5-6 knots) and, therefore, you don’t need to spend on the larger motor.

Get electric tilt. My first kicker didn’t and it’s dangerous raising the motor in high seas. I almost went over the side trying to raise in a large wave situation.

EZ-Steer connect both engines so you can use the main engine’s steering to direct the kicker.

Why a bracket is because, if it’s the fixed type, it is really solid and will last. The variable type are finicky and, as I said, not the best in rough seas.

You could have a complete control box installed to manage the kicker but it’s not necessary. I did and that’s because Elly steering the boat while I tended the rods could put the kicker into neutral when I yelled, “Fish on!” However, if you can reach the kicker and put it in neutral easily from where your rods are then go that route.

One last to make this a Really Good Kicker: buy a prop guard so that trailing lines don’t get caught in the prop. Losing a fish this way is not a happy time.

MichaelR

Thanks for the reply! I don't think I need an OB bracket because I have a Euro-transom. It Has plenty of room on either ride of the boat to place the engine. I think and Easy Steer, and electriv Tilt are mandatory, i can live without remote throttle though. Fish On!