Kicker hp for 23

basswacker · #1 03-02-2011, 11:02 PM

what is a recomended Hp for a 23ft scepter? is a 7.5hp good enough? i would like to use it for trolling? Thanks

Fr. Frank · #2 03-03-2011, 12:24 AM

That's enough horsepower, but may not be enough torque applied. Depending on the gear ratio and prop, and planned trolling speed, it might do the job. You can probably get 4-5 mph at 80% if it's propped and geared right.
What motor?

bigeasy1 · #3 03-03-2011, 12:43 PM

I run a T8 8hp Yamaha high thrust four stroke on mt 23' Tsunami,and it pushes the boat easily.At WOT I can get around 6.5 7 mph out of it.
I srictly troll for Salmon on the Great lakes,and our trolling speed is anywhere from 2.5 to 3.5 mph.The Yamaha does the job nicely until waves get to 3' with big winds.

It still pushes the boat ok,but you have to work harder to keep it in a straight line.When it gets a bit nasty,I'll drop the outdrive and troll with the main engine.I've had 9.9 & 15 hp kickers on previous boats and they were no better in the push /speed dept.
We, on the Great lakes, often face steep closely spaced waves of 3-6 feet,but You saltwater guys have tides and stronger currents in addition to waves to deal with so if you go the kicker route,definitely go with a high thrust model.
They have a different prop and a different gear ratio.
I love the T8 Yammie it purrs like a kitten.Honda also makes a nice high thrust.
We frequently are 20 miles offshore,and storms and water spouts seem to more common every year.I like knowing that if the main engine should fail the kicker could get me home.

floorboy · #4 03-03-2011, 03:05 PM

What he said......

basswacker · #5 03-03-2011, 05:31 PM

The motor is an older Johnson (probally early 80s). Its a long shaft with a 3 blade prop. I have no clue what the torque is. Would I be better off with a 2 blade prop? I also have a 15hp Evinrude?

bridgeman · #6 03-03-2011, 06:21 PM

I have an early 90's 9.9 2 stroke on mine and it does OK on Erie until the waves get over 3' then I'm forced to troll with it or in the ditch. For a backup I doubt you can make much headway going into a swell of any size, could be a long ride back in.

gss036 · #7 03-03-2011, 08:45 PM

I use a Yamaha T9.9 on my 23WA w/225 Honda for main power. I used to run a mid 90's 15HP Honda and that worked good. The T9.9 Yamaha has lots of torque, but not quite the top end that the Honda had. I was getting scared the that the Honda would die since it had about 4,000 hrs run time on it trolling for SALMON.