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Author Topic: Thoughts on adding kicker to a 161?  (Read 946 times)

July 12, 2018, 08:06:15 AM
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barbwire44

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Thoughts on adding kicker to a 161?
« on: July 12, 2018, 08:06:15 AM »
Have a new to me 161 tournament cat, currently has a 90 elpto saltwater mounted, I would like the peace of mind of a spare to get me home, we run the rivers alot and one engine is no fun when it stops working and you go with the current, I would like to put a kicker on it, i guess my main question is can the hull hold a kicker without issue, It sure seems like it is built like a tank, but again it is a new to me boat. I have a 25hp yamaha 4 stroke I could add a tiller to and use it if its not too much hanging off the back, or second option sell the 25 and buy something smaller and lighter, its just a heavy boat and not sure if an 8hp or less would push it well at all.
Thanks
01 Aquasport Tournament Cat

July 12, 2018, 01:18:27 PM
Reply #1

wingtime

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Re: Thoughts on adding kicker to a 161?
« Reply #1 on: July 12, 2018, 01:18:27 PM »
25HP is WAY overkill for that hull.  Even a 15hp on a 245 Explorer has enough weight to cause a list.  A kicker will not get you up on a plane.  But it can give you peace of mind.  To be honest a 5 or 6 hp is more than enough to push that boat around.  I have a 9.9HP Honda that I'm thinking of getting ride of.  It is a rather heavy motor for a 10 horse though.
1998 Explorer w/ Etec 250


1987 170 w/ Evinrude 90

July 12, 2018, 03:33:51 PM
Reply #2

barbwire44

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Re: Thoughts on adding kicker to a 161?
« Reply #2 on: July 12, 2018, 03:33:51 PM »
Your probably right. just simple for me because its hanging in garage. ill start snooping out the smaller engines.
01 Aquasport Tournament Cat

July 13, 2018, 06:47:17 AM
Reply #3

RickK

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Re: Thoughts on adding kicker to a 161?
« Reply #3 on: July 13, 2018, 06:47:17 AM »
A strong 24V trolling motor will get you around, almost get that boat up on plane. Say a 80 lbs thrust.
Rick
1971 "170" with 115 Johnson (It's usable but not 100% finished)

1992 230 Explorer with 250 Yamaha

July 13, 2018, 01:41:07 PM
Reply #4

CTsalt12

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Re: Thoughts on adding kicker to a 161?
« Reply #4 on: July 13, 2018, 01:41:07 PM »
I would use sea tow and an anchor for peace of mind personally.  If you fish, electric trolling motors are awesome and you definitely won't even need 80 lb.  I have a 55 lb on my 175 AS and it gets me moving and has gotten me out of trouble once actually when my motor stalled. 
Jimbo
1989 175 Osprey

July 13, 2018, 03:53:37 PM
Reply #5

wingtime

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Re: Thoughts on adding kicker to a 161?
« Reply #5 on: July 13, 2018, 03:53:37 PM »
I agree Boat US Membership or Seatow is inexpensive peace of mind.  My experience with outboards is they are usually very reliable...  if you have a hard time getting it started on the ramp... and it runs rough there your gonna have issues.  Keeping fresh fuel.. preferably non ethanol in the boat goes a long way.  Don't let them sit... I know life gets in the way quick... if it does... start the thing and let it run once a month if you can.
1998 Explorer w/ Etec 250


1987 170 w/ Evinrude 90

July 13, 2018, 05:50:54 PM
Reply #6

RickK

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Re: Thoughts on adding kicker to a 161?
« Reply #6 on: July 13, 2018, 05:50:54 PM »
I had a 55 lbs on my 170 and was out in the middle of the bay when the motor died - there was a 7 knot wind and I had to head into it to get back to the dock - couldn't overcome it.  Sure I could have gone the other way but my truck was the way I couldn't go. I've used a 80 lb on a 170 and it was awesome. That is what I will put on mine soon. The guy that owned the boat said he can go a few days on a charge and that he uses fu;ll throttle as lot.
That was before I got Seatow.
Rick
1971 "170" with 115 Johnson (It's usable but not 100% finished)

1992 230 Explorer with 250 Yamaha

July 13, 2018, 10:02:41 PM
Reply #7

barbwire44

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Re: Thoughts on adding kicker to a 161?
« Reply #7 on: July 13, 2018, 10:02:41 PM »
i will add an trolling motor soon, im going to look at a 6hp yamaha 4 stroke tomorrow. I think that will get me home under most circumstances. i could have used it this evening..lol im having trouble with my main engine, ill start another topic see if anyone has any suggestions.
01 Aquasport Tournament Cat

July 19, 2018, 02:13:57 PM
Reply #8

barbwire44

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Re: Thoughts on adding kicker to a 161?
« Reply #8 on: July 19, 2018, 02:13:57 PM »
mounted the 6hp it works good, top speed of 5mph, but it is at least getting back to the trailer if the big motor acts up.
01 Aquasport Tournament Cat

 

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