Everything you need to know about Kicker Motors
What is a Kicker Motor?
The kicker motor is an auxiliary motor on sail boats and power boats that can be used as a secondary means to propel the vessel. They are primarily used for troll fishing but can also be used for emergencies, like when power to the main engine is lost.
The origin of the term “Kicker Motor” is hotly debated amongst boating enthusiasts, and so is the question when it comes to whether adding a kicker motor to your vessel is the right decision for your boating needs. By the end of this article you will come away with the following knowledge about the kicker motor: Whether a kicker motor is right for your needs, how to properly size the kicker motor for your boat, the different ways to control and maneuver the kicker motor, how the kicker motor is mounted and rigged to the boat and proper care and maintenance of the kicker motor.
Who is a kicker motor right for?
The answer to this question lies in the type of vessel that you have and how you plan to use it. A kicker motors primary objective is for use as an auxiliary means of propulsion. Majority of users use kicker motors as a trolling motor for troll fishing. Precise control of the speed that the user wishes to troll is often easier to achieve with a kicker motor than it is while using a main engine. This is because the thrust of the kicker motor is much lower at lower engine speeds meaning the user can fine tune the speed of the vessel at speeds lower than those achieved by the main engine at its lowest allowable engine speed. However, a recent advancement in large outboard technology gives the user the ability to reduce engine speed of the main engine to achieve slower trolling speeds (called “Troll Mode” or the like, depending on the manufacturer). While this functionality has greatly improved the use of the main engine for trolling, it does have its limits.
The kicker motor also acts as a secondary means of propulsion where the main engines have, for one reason or another, become inoperable. A kicker motor can enhance the users enjoyment on the water, whether for a better fishing experience, or having that extra peace of mind.
Kicker motor application
This largely depends on the weight of the vessel and less on the physical size. The kicker motor needs to provide enough thrust to provide positive control of the vessel. A kicker motor that is under powered will make it difficult to maneuver the vessel due to “lag time” or the time it takes for the operators demand for thrust to impart movement to the vessel. The most popular size of kicker motor is the 9.9, which means 9.9 horsepower. The 9.9 provides a healthy amount of thrust to push vessels 7000 pounds or lighter, and they come in a package that is light enough for one person to manage moving around on their own. The 9.9 is great for dinghys or small inflatables because they can be easily removed and, on the right small boat, provide plenty of power to move 1 or 2 people quickly and efficiently on the water. Most recreational vessels that tend to use kickers motors, tend to be under 7000 pounds in weight (gross), making the 9.9 HP kicker motor ideal for these boats. Vessels over 7000 pounds might want to consider going up to a 15-20 horsepower kicker motor. These larger kicker motors provide more thrust, giving the user more positive control of heavier boats. They are heavier than the 9.9 so moving one around solo can be a chore. One of the great benefits to having a kicker motor is for safety and security should the main engine power be lost. Large vessels with multiple engines do not rely on the kicker motors as a means of safety because those vessels have a backup engine. In some instances, having a kicker motor that is 25+ horsepower in size provides plenty of power and security should the main engine become inoperable, especially one a single engine configuration. In Alaska, that could mean being hundreds of miles from the closest port. Deciding on the size of the kicker motor should be weighed against the total costs of the main engine plus kicker motor combined compared with the costs of going to a multiple engine configuration. Your local marine dealer is a great source of knowledge when it comes to properly sizing a kicker motor for your vessel.
Kicker motor controls.
When it comes to operating the kicker motor the boater has several options. The cheapest, most reliable way to control the kicker motor is with the use of a tiller handle. A tiller handle is a handle attached to the motors steering arm that allows the user to direct the thrust and maneuver the boat. The tiller handle also has a throttle control and, on some models, a shift control. This setup requires very little rigging to attach the motor to the vessel, which keeps the cost of the installation down. A tiller handle also allows the user to easily remove the kicker motor form the vessel to use on another boat, store, or to do maintenance.
Another option for kicker motor rigging is installing a remote throttle and shift control, and linking the kicker motor steering to the vessels primary method of steering. This option is great for those who will be utilizing the kicker motor to troll fish as it provides a convenient and accessible way to control the motor from a comfortable position on the boat. The added convenience of remote controls and steering integrated to the main engine also carries a higher price tag, so keep that in mind when determining what type of kicker motor rigging is right for your needs.
Finally, for those who want the ultimate in convenience and precise control there is GPS Autopilot controls and wireless, remote controlled, electric steering. GPS Autopilot is part of a suit of high tech marine electronics that work in tandem to control the kicker motor and maneuver the vessel with minimal input from the operator. All the user needs to do is tell the device what path it will be following, and the computers do the rest. This type of system requires a suite of electronic devices to function, making it the most expensive option. Autopilot gives the user the freedom to focus on other tasks, like fishing or taking care of clients. (NOTE: Always follow the manufacturers recommendations for proper operation of autopilot equipped vessels.) Contact your local dealer for the kicker motor solution that works best for you and your needs.
Kicker motor mounting and rigging.
A kicker motor is mounted at the transom of the vessel on a “Kicker Bracket” so that the cavitation plate on the lower unit of the kicker motor extends below the bottom the vessel. This ensures the propeller has good water flow and gives good rudder action to steer the vessel. Kicker brackets are located at the transom and allow the user to hang a kicker motor safely and securely on the back of the vessel. Kicker brackets can be integrated into the transom, integrated into the swim platform or outboard motor bracket, or prefabricated and bolted, or in some cases welded, to the transom or swim platform. Most kicker brackets are fixed and do not move up or done; however, some allow the user to adjust the vertical height of the motor relative to the water line. (All kicker motors have the ability to tilt to a position that brings the prop out of the water and we will discuss the importance of that function in the next Section.) Once the kicker motor is installed on the vessel, vital hookups necessary to run the kicker motor are needed. The fuel to run the kicker motor can be stored onboard by 3 methods: An integrated tank on the kicker motor, an approved portable fuel tank, or directly from the vessel’s main fuel tank(s). If the kicker motor is equipped with electric start and/or power trim and tilt, then battery cables will need to be installed and wired to an appropriate battery and switch. Lastly, depending on the type of controls (remote, tiller, tie-bar, etc.) some hardware, cables, and wiring will be run to the appropriate spaces on the vessel to provide remote control of the kicker motor. Unless a tiller handle is being used, in which case very little rigging is required.
Kicker motor care and maintenance.
Just like your vehicle, your boat will require periodic and routine maintenance to keep things running reliably and efficiently. This also holds true for your kicker motor. Kicker motors are easy to overlook when it comes to routine maintenance. They don’t always see the most use when compared to the main engines and when they do, it may seem insignificant. Kicker motors are the little engine that could. Because of this, proper care and maintenance is crucial to their survival. Fuel is the #1 source of problems for users in Alaska. Poor fuel quality can lead to clogged fuel passages in carburetors and fuel injection systems, corrosion of the internals of the fuel system and damage to the engine internals. Whether the fuel source is from the vessel’s permanent fuel tanks or from a removable tank, proper filtration and water separation is essential. Furthermore, adding an outboard manufacture approved fuel treatment is great for keeping your engine clean and running at its peak performance (this is true for kicker motors and for main motors as well). Be sure to follow the manufactures recommendations for type and quantity of the fuel treatment being used. At a minimum, service should be completed once every year before winter storage. Boats in Alaska are exposed to some of the harshest marine environments in the world and your kicker motor is no exception. Without proper care, your kicker motor can suffer damage due to corrosion and moisture, even if it doesn’t see much time in service during a season.
If you decide to have a kicker motor on your boat, it is important to understand the basics of operating the vessel with the kicker motor mounted to the transom. Ensure that the bracket is rated for the size of kicker motor you plan to use. In rough seas, or even just trailering down the road, the kicker motor bracket is subjected to extreme forces. Always secure the kicker motor in the full tilt up position when underway on the water to prevent excessive drag, which slows you down and lowers fuel efficiency; and to prevent premature damage to the kicker motors lower unit. One of the leading causes of premature failure of the kicker motor lower unit is leaving the motor down in the water while underway. Furthermore, damage caused by leaving the motor in the water while underway is typically not covered by the engine manufacturer’s warranty, leaving you on the hook for the repair. It only takes one instance for a few minutes to lead to harmful damage to internal components of the kicker motors lower unit.
Here are some things to consider as part of your pre-trip checks for your kicker motor. With the boat in the water and the kicker lowered, start it up and note any changes in the starting behavior. Allow it to properly warm up. Check that the motor shifts into both forward and reverse and produces thrust. Note any changes in shifting behavior or odd noises. Also, check steering functionality. If equipped with power trim and tilt, run the trim up and down to ensure proper functionality. If the kicker has manual tilt, ensure all functions of the tilt and lock mechanism are in proper working order. Running through a pre-trip checklist before taking the motor into service will help you identify any potential issues which can be discussed with your local marine service department to provide preventative maintenance and avoid a larger, more costly repair.