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[THE_ROE_SLINGER]

Just curious if a 5hp 4 stroke would be a sufficent kicker for a 16.5ft smokercraft? Or would it be better to go with an 8hp...I would be using it for lake trolling and the odd ocean trip.

[clownfish]

While your Smokercraft is likely aluminum, and therefore lighter than my 70's 16 ft. Fibreform, I would definitely recommend going with the 8HP. My 5HP 4stroke Honda has been a nice motor, but it lacks sufficient power for some areas. If you can, I'd recommend you get a 9.9HP.

[tnt]

8 hp and the 9.9 are the same wieght, but the 5 HP would be enough for your boat...

[kellya]

My boats 2000lbs and a 8hp gets it going 4-5 knots which is alright. Not sure what yours is maybe less than 1000 so a 5hp would be fine but if your running the fraser or chuck alot i would want an 8hp. We broke down last week and had to run 15 miles on the kicker and man i wish i had a bit more hp took forever.

[troutbreath]

5 is OK for most trolling, just not tide rips downrigging. If 8 is as heavy 9 I would go for the nine if you think you'll be out in the chuck trolling a lot

[Rieber]

If you have a wind catching windshield, then you want the bigger kicker with more thrust. 9.9 is always a good motor for a kicker. My 8hp 4-stroke moves my open 16' aluminum just fine for trolling however that same 8-hp on my buddies 16' with a windshield does get blown around at trolling speed on a windy afternoon on Kawkawa. Then you have to troll with the big/main motor.

[umpo4]

The 5 hp is NOT an good choice for anything larger than  a 12' alum. You can always throttle back w/ more hp but if underpowered you never can compensate for a lack of poop.  ALWAYS when in doubt go as much HP as you can afford or your craft will allow.

[bbronswyk2000]

Dont think of it as only a trolling motor. Think of it as a backup motor as well. If your main motor breaks down you wont want to have to travel far with a 5HP kicker as it will take you forever. If you have a 9.9 or even an 8 you will be able to get back much quicker.