Posts: 1185
Location: Wishin I Was Fishin' | I can't speak for a kicker motor, but I have noticed no diference in fish production between trolling a 200EFI merc and a 40Hp carburated merc. I find it humorous to see boats with a kicker on GB using the big motor. The only reason I can see for a kicker is to troll slow for maybe walleyes or Herbies slow roll (I will be trying this).
I troll with my 97' 200 EFI merc on my bassboat. A kicker just wouldn't be right on a bassboat. I know trolling from a bassboat isn't either but it was all I had and many muskies are caught out of it. I can get it down to 2.4 MPH.
I have had absolutely no problems with it. I have 5 years of many full days trolling Green Bay on it. I did change the plugs once in all the years but it didn't really even need it. I do run Seafoam in 2 tanks of gas every year to clean the carbon. I only use Merc 2 cycle oil. I troll a solid 10 hours, put it in idle, stow all the gear and not even a sputter when I hit it to get back to the landing.
I do not think it would work to troll from a carburated 150+Hp engine. That would be asking for trouble.
I understand the argument about high cost of repairs to a big motor over a small one. It is always in the back of my mind, but I would fix it myself anyways.
Last year I did build a trolling boat out of an old 70's Crestliner Ski boat and put my dad's 93' merc 40 hp on the back. It is now my primary troller. I did it because trolling from the bassboat was a pain in the butt and I wanted something dryer and safer for the big water. I still do use the bassboat for trolling on trips when casting and trolling will occur. I've had thoughts about going to just one big deep V boat, but I like to cast from the bassboat way to much.
So trolling with a big motor is a viable option.
Edited by Jomusky 5/6/2009 9:53 AM
|
