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Posts: 10
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Boat is a new Tracker Pro Guide V16. Has a Merc 50hp, and a 40lb MK bow mount.
I'd like to add an 8hp Kicker. Where and how should this be installed? Starboard or Port? Does it matter?
Also the big engine has oil injection but the tank is under the cowling on the engine. So does this mean that I can't tap into the in-boat tank? Or can I somehow tap into the big motors oil supply and the built in tank?
I'd rather not add a portable tank if I can get away with it. The way the boat is setup I'd lose floor space or storage space. (this sounds silly BUT I have seen boats that had room for a spare tank near the transom in back.
Any help with a Kicker is appreciated. |
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| You might be a good idea to contact Tracker and see what they say. I emailed Crestliner, and they said the kicker was fine but warned me that my boat may list and not track a true as before. An 8 hp seems like a pretty large kicker for a boat with only an 85" beam. However, if I am not mistaken, the boat itself is rated for a 75; the difference between a 50 and the 75 would probably exceed the weight of the 8 hp. I kept hoping that someone would chime in since I am considering something very similar. Regarding the split in the fuel line, you might want to look at Walleye Central (boat forum). They just covered this issue about a month ago. The consensus seems to be that it can cause problems. They also seem to recommend a port installation, but I never got a good feel for their reasons.
I hope you can get some answers to your questions,
Jeff |
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Posts: 3508
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | Regardless of the type of boat it is (console or tiller) you may need to take into consideration what side of the boat you will fish out of most. With the option of putting a seat up on the back deck in the middle, I would think it would be easier to mount a kicker on the port side. It definitely looks like there is enough room to do so, but you may need to watch a steering ram if you get the console series. You might find that the kicker will need to be moved more toward port in order to avoid limiting your ability to turn right with the big motor.
I have my kicker on my Alumacraft Navigator mounted on port side. If I am sitting and casting, I will steer with my foot, or grab a seat cushion and sit on the deck and steer by hand. Not too bad, but I have considered getting a tiller extension with a knuckle in it.
As for running oil from the big motor...probably not an option. looks like a separate tank will be in order, but you should not need anything more than a 3 gallon tank. You might even find that a small enough tank can fit in one of the back compartments so it is out of the way. If not, it might be small enough to fit under the back seat, or you may have to mount a strap on starboard side on the deck.
Definitely some options for placement, though
Steve |
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Posts: 10
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Well I've been looking into this some and here is what I've come up with.
Port side is definately the way to go. For the simple fact that the boat will be more balanced and actually may even out the slight list that the boat has with me at the console.
A 8hp 2 stroke weighs about 74-77lbs, and the 4 stroke weighs in at 84lbs. So the two stroke will be the same or even more by the time I add a tank w/fuel.
I think I might go with a 6hp 4stroke. I don't like that they aren't made by Merc, but they come with a warranty from them. They are listed as only weighing 55lbs, and I can simply hook it to the main tank.
Single cylinder is supposed to not be as smooth but I think I can live with it alright.
The boat only has a 50hp engine and is rated for a 75. 85" beam and 16'4" long. Six horse should be plenty right? |
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Posts: 10
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One of the reason I want one is to help control the boat in strong winds. I can use it to supplement the front trolling motor.
The boat does have a short rear platform with pedestal base in the center. |
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Posts: 3508
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | The 6hp will do really well on that boat. I have the Alumacraft navigator (965 pounds empty) and my 6hp johnson does really well. I have run it to just help push the boat along while sterring with the TM up front...works really well.
Sounds like 4 stroke is the way to go, but even with 1 cylinder, it shouldn't be too bad. Might shake a little more, but saves having to add the extra tank and mix gas..
Steve |
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Posts: 1536
Location: God's Country......USA..... Western Wisconsin | Go to Walleye central and post the question asking an answer from Michael Meyer. He frequents the site and is about the best rigger in the midwest. For sure put the kicker on th eport side if you have a starboard console boat. If it is a tiller boat either side should work. 8 hp seems a little big but you can always use the extra power. |
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