School me on kickers!

[roadking]

Hi guys,
We recently purchased a Campion 542, with an Evinrude 150 G2 outboard, sans kicker. Debating a bunch of options for a kicker and wanted to solicit the collective expertise here. Some questions I have:

- tiller throttle or no-tiller models?
- best steering linkage? (Would like steering at the helm)
- suitable hp? Will mostly be used in big lakes in the Okanagan, but will make trips to the salt a couple times a year
- manufacturers?
thanks!

 

[ship happens]

Tohatsu hands down

Woukd need a picture of the stern to further speak on tie bar solutions.

PM me and I will be happy to help

 

[pescador]

If you’ve got Seastar steering, connect your kicker to your main With this. Works awesome. Steers both motors from helm. Never bend over stern to connect cables.

 

[ship happens]

Hes got a G2. No seastar

 

[MikePA]

If you’ve got Seastar steering, connect your kicker to your main With this. Works awesome. Steers both motors from helm. Never bend over stern to connect cables.

I always leave mine connected.. is this a bad idea?

 

[MikePA]

My 542 has a 9.9 on it which is more than enough power. I use a threaded tie bar with a ball joint sort of connection.

 

[ship happens]

He needs something creative. Post pictures or bring the boat by the shop

 

[pescador]

I always leave mine connected.. is this a bad idea?

It’s fine to leave it connected permanently. I’d do as well.

 

[Baxter]

I have a yam T9.9. Tiller controls, steering tie in, power tilt, power start.

very happy with it. On an 18’ alum so figured I did not need forward controls, no regrets on that. I like the tiller as I can steer up front or still use the tiller to steer when needed, although takes a little muscle when hooked up to the tie bar.

if I were to do it again though I would likely consider manual start and manual trim, just to reduce potential problems. Have had zero issues so far, but have to think being all manual might make it a safer bet for use as aux power. (Although I do like it keeping my batteries topped up while trolling)

 

[barkerfam]

Convert everything to hydraulic. Best move I ever made.

tohatsu 9.9 EFI, electric tilt

DONE. with this set up you can enjoy the experience instead of working through the experience.

my two cents

 

[ship happens]

The hydraulic trim is necessary, not only for ease of use but.. it provides a stable bracket to that auxiliary engine for when the engine is tilted up. The manual tilt engines get beat up while trailering and or motoring around through a bit of chop.

 

[ericl]

I had a 7.5 on a 24 SeaRay - more than enough for trolling in fairly calm conditions offshore WCVI. Wouldn't propel the boat at hull speed as a back-up motor - 9.9 may do this on your boat. If not hooked-into your steering, the main motor can be turned to control direction in most trolling situations. You will want a mount with lift assist.