Hey Rock:
Easy on the disrespect dude, everyones opinion is valid and different opinions don't warrant name calling.
I've been employed continuously in the Fishing Guide and Lodge business for over 25 years now, in locations ranging from Langara Island to Sooke with a focus on West Coast QCI and West Coast WCVI.
Fair weather fisherman -I hardly think so! Comfort and safety oriented for my guests - you bet!!!
I guess you only fish one location in order to limit out each day. I sure wish I was that good! In the ****** areas I fish, you are often reuired to change locations in order to respond to one of your fellow guides informing you that a bite is on somewhere else. When you're an old guy like me (or at least terribly weak and unfit, anyway
)tilting the kicker in 2 to 4 meter seas amounts to dangerous BS and can actually take a bit of valuable "bite time". Ditto for putting the damn thing back down when you arrive at your next location. Even worse with an extended transom.
In my limited experience, sitting stuck in one place trolling "upstream" is simply a waste of time. How many wounded bait fish typically swim upstream? Great presentation dude! Sitting in one spot hogging the hole while bucking the tide is also a good way to upset those around you that may wish to fish through the hole going the right way!!!
As far as safety goes, you'd NEVER catch me on a boat in any West Coast situation that didn't have two motors. That being said, is your 9.9 getting you up on a plane? Is that 1.9 HP actually going to make that much difference if you're running home on the kicker? Hmmm.. bit of a stretch if you ask me. I'd be more worried about my butt hanging off the transom at least twice per day if I was you!
I respect your opinion of what makes a great kicker combo and admit freely that you may be right. In my world, and on my boats, youre not right, but that doesn't necessarily mean you should take up golf.
I'm pretty bad at golf so I guess I'll just stick to fishin'!
Bob