Osprey 205 Kicker

[CaptBurt]

I just bought a 2000 Osprey 205 with a 200hp Johnson.  I will be fishing offshore near St Augustine, FL.  I would like any info on the size of a kicker motor for trolling/get home.  I am thinking about 15hp 4 stroke long shaft.  Any suggesdtions?
Capt Burt

[fitz73222]

Hey CaptBurt,

Do you ever fish out of Matanzas? I`m down in Palm Coast.

[John Jones]

My suggestion would be tow boat coverage and a good radio.

[GoneFission]

Anything 8 HP and above would be fine.  There are some nice 9.9s out there...

[Circle Hooked]

I just bought a 2000 Osprey 205 with a 200hp Johnson.  I will be fishing offshore near St Augustine, FL.  I would like any info on the size of a kicker motor for trolling/get home.  I am thinking about 15hp 4 stroke long shaft.  Any suggesdtions?
Capt Burt

Welcome aboard,i have a 15hp short shaft Yamaha 4 stroke on a adjustable bracket,keeps the motor totally out of the water when not in use, and it will push my 225 Explorer at 7 mph loaded up with offshore gear,i also have sea tow.

[CaptBurt]

Hey CaptBurt,

Do you ever fish out of Matanzas? I`m down in Palm Coast.

Fitz;  I will be fishing out of Palm Coast;  bought a home there and will be there full time later this year.  Will bring the boat in Sept.  Have been running Matanzas in friends 16' Polar, but plan more offshore fishing when I get the Osprey there.
CaptBurt

[CaptBurt]

My suggestion would be tow boat coverage and a good radio.

Thanks JJ; I have both.
CaptBurt

[CaptBurt]

Anything 8 HP and above would be fine.  There are some nice 9.9s out there...

Capt'n John;  Was considering a 9.9 but would like to troll at 8 to 8.5 Knots.  When I do that with my main power, I'm pushing lots of water.  You think the 9.9 is OK?
CaptBurt

[CaptBurt]

I just bought a 2000 Osprey 205 with a 200hp Johnson.  I will be fishing offshore near St Augustine, FL.  I would like any info on the size of a kicker motor for trolling/get home.  I am thinking about 15hp 4 stroke long shaft.  Any suggesdtions?
Capt Burt

Welcome aboard,i have a 15hp short shaft Yamaha 4 stroke on a adjustable bracket,keeps the motor totally out of the water when not in use, and it will push my 225 Explorer at 7 mph loaded up with offshore gear,i also have sea tow.

Thanks, CH.  I plan to tie the kicker to the Johnson as my autopilot will then steer when I'm trolling.  Would never be without Vessel Assist (Sea Tow).
CaptBurt

[labboss2003]

guess i should have read this post before i posted mine

[ReelTimeWes]

I have a Yamaha T8 on my 205 Osprey. I use it for trolling on Lake Erie but we slow troll from 1.5 to 3 mph. I have it mounted on an aluminum jack plate. It has power trim and it's fully controlled from the helm.  Steering is tied right into the main motor. Works like a charm. Pushes the boat at 9 to 10 mph at W.O.T. Picture was before steering linkage was installed.

[GoneFission]

Was considering a 9.9 but would like to troll at 8 to 8.5 Knots.  When I do that with my main power, I'm pushing lots of water.  You think the 9.9 is OK?
CaptBurt

I think a 9.9 will get you 8-10 KT, but like all other outboards, you've got to have it propped right.  A large diameter, low pitch prop will work best, and it may take a little trial and error to get it just right.  You might PM Reel Time Wes and see what prop he is running....