I like having a kicker motor for several reasons some of which have been mentioned.
1. It saves significantly on gas and practically pays for itself over time in fuel savings. Especially think back to this time last year when gas on the lake was $5 a gallon.
2. Peace of mind. If for some reason my big motor won't start I know I don't have to paddle. My kicker motor will get me back to shore. (Now if they both break on the same day you have really bad luck.)
3. Wear and Tear. I would much rather put hundreds of hours on a $1500 kicker motor than a $10,000+ Main outboard engine.
Also as a comment on the boat you are purchasing. I would think that you might find an 18' WAC a bit small if you fish with more than 1 other guy. I personally would buy something 2-4' bigger for the extra fishing room in the back. My 17' Lund is crowded with more than 2 guys fishing on it. My next boat will be bigger. Just my 2 cents on the subject.
i fished with roofy and he trolls with a 140 hp suzuki 4 stroke and also e-tecs are not recomended for long periods of low idle due to fouling plugs. yamaha or even check out the suzuki's at gillan marine thats the only way to go.
Thank you all for the great feedback so far. Much appreciated! Keep it coming if there's more out there? I think the ETec vs 4 stroke debate could go on forever!
I have a 115 Honda on a Four Winn, and have no problems going down to 1.5mph.
I had them put a different prop[ and tune it down for slow action. Unfortgunately this takes away from the high speed.
No problems in trolling.
High speed for me is 26 mph with the wind in the sails.LOL.Old smokie's absolute top end,the only speed we seem to care about is slow speed anyway.lol.polebreaker
