Engine Advice
 

I recently purchased a 19' aluminum boat. It has a 150hp evinrude etec on it. I need a kicker motor for the boat. The transom is 25" do i need a short shaft or a long shaft? ill be buying between a 8hp-25hp motor. Maybe new maybe used maybe a 2 stroke maybe 4.

Thanks i know someone on here will be able to tell me what i need.

I would go into a shop and ask since there are some options.

Short shaft is 15", long shaft is 20", "kickers" are longer yet and I think 25". You can also get a tip-down mount that should allow you to use a short or long shaft. I've seen them on boats but have never set one up. This may allow you to consider a short/long shaft over a kicker unit which allows for some more options when you search for a sale or bargain.

4 stroke will be quiet and idle all day better than a 2 stroke but the 2 stroke will be cheaper and lighter. As a permanenet kicker, weight should be no issue.

They can also be set up to run on your big engine steering, controls and on-board fuel. Electric start is nice but not really necessary.

The 25 foot Sea West I was on last week in BC did just fine with a 9.9 HP.

I would go with a 25 inch if it was me.

You can get by with a 20, but a 25 is best. A 15 HP kicker will throw the boat around like a rag doll. I would not go any bigger than that.


Chris K