Kicker power versus weight on a Master Angler 20

[ct9amr]

Tohatsu is the same as Nissan.

[Fr. Frank]

Tohatsu is the same as Nissan.

Yep, Nissan motors are made for them by Tohatsu, which is about 14% owned by Nissan.

[Bigshrimpin]

thats my point - the boat can't handle 500+ lbs plus somebody sitting back there driving - buy a good VHF radio and a Sea Tow membership or you need a bigger boat

Don't forget flippers and water wings. If you break down in Buzzards Bay in the SW afternoon wind with a 20" transom and a heavy motor . . . You'll be calling the coast guard before seatow arrives.

[FishStretcher]

Exactly.

So for the moment I need a light kicker. Ideally with remote steering

Don't forget flippers and water wings. If you break down in Buzzards Bay in the SW afternoon wind with a 20" transom and a heavy motor . . . You'll be calling the coast guard before seatow arrives.

[Tarpun]

My 20' MA with a 408# 150 Merc. will keep your feet wet. Large console with 2 batteries inside. Unless you spend a LOT of time far offshore I would get Seatow. I understand and love the idea of self dependency but depend on maintenance, a strong radio and antenna, and Seatow.

[FishStretcher]

Made up my mind. A tohatsu SailPro with a remote kit. I looked at one and the prop is big. With lots of area. Looks like a sunflower. With the remote I won't have to stand at the stern.

SeaTow/ Boats U.S. aren't nearly fast enough to save your bacon in the part of Buzzards Bay I frequent. The issue I run into is not as much whether or not I can get home, but if I flood a two stroke, I can be on rocks or have water over the transom from the standing waves from the current before I can get it re-lit.

[Bigshrimpin]

Fish . . . do you have a splashwell gate? If not you can make a good one pretty inexpensively with PVC Tuff Board. Just make sure your entire splashwell is water tight, and the bottom 6 - 8" of the gate is sealed with 4200 and screws. When my 18 is loaded up with Ice, fish, 8hp Honda kicker, and a full 48 gallons of fuel . . . Splashwell scuppers are under and there is 2" of water in the splashwell. Make sure your bilge inspection hatch is water tight and that you have 2 pumps with float switches. Keeping the bow heavy also lifts the stern.

[eggsuckindog]

You do have to have a splashwell, I have one that is removeable, don't use it much unless I go offshore but a must have in that kind of water. I agree with shrimpin

The problem I see that putting kicker on will cause you to have water coming in all the time unless under power. I guess if you troll all the time thats OK

[FishStretcher]

So the plan is a 60 lb kicker with remote controls. Steering will be tied to the 390 lb 2 stroke Yamaha back there. Tohatsu makes a control box so I can pilot from the center console without having to steer from the stern. Not perfect, but better than steering from the transom.

I also plan to use plastic tanks in the head area of the center console for better weight distribution.

[FishStretcher]

Picked it up today. Will take pics if anyone is interested.