Kicker HP?

[Beginners luck]

I currently have a manual start, tiller controlled 1997 8hp Suzuki 2 stroke on a 19ft Duckworth Pro 111. Im just about ready to pull the trigger on a 2005 15hp Merc electric start, 4 stroke with forward controls and only 60 hours on it. Is it overkill? The 9.9 and the 15hp Mercs are only about 10lbs different in weight. Opinions please? Im getting a GREAT DEAL on it.....

[Bobberman]

electric start is sooooo nice!

[bullshooter]

Sounds like you are looking validation. Well, here it is. Go get it. If it is a good deal, you could always peddle it if you decide you dont want it. In the past the 9.9 and the 15 engines were identical. the only difference was in the carburetion. not sure about the newer ones. I had a 9.9 on a 20 ft jet boat and it moved it just fine. it was a merc. It had a tendency to be a little cold blooded at times though. It also didnt want to idle at times. I now have a t-8 with elec start and tilt. cant imagine going back.

[Beginners luck]

Yes. Validation was one of the things I was looking for. There is such a tremendous amount of experience on this board. Most items I have bought for my boat, Ive researched this forum. So far I have not been led astray. Thanks for your input. I appreciate it....

[fishkisser]

Only one thing to say ... Someone has to do it ... Buy yourself a ... T-8

[Beginners luck]

I will look into the cost of a T-8 with the forward controls and electric start. If its not TOO MUCH more than what Im looking at. I will entertain it. Seems like the T-8 is what everyone gravitates toward.

[Dinikin]

I think it is a matter of being able to troll slow enough with that 15 hp, to put a killer spin on a herring.

[retaliate]

I have a 2002 merc 15hp 4 stroke, it's actually a Yamaha motor with Merc lower unit, & cowling, no problems at all in 6 years, Altho I don't use it for Trolling anymore, cause my main motor is fine for faster Ocean trolling, it trolls down nicely compared to a 2 stroke of similar size.

[Tilla]

I have a 2008 4 stroke 8 hp Merc manual start, used twice, the HP is fine for a 21 ft kicker. Just one thing, I hate it, I hate it, I hate it. No matter how warm it is I have to disengage the gear, turn up the throttle, and pull the choke. Every darn time. For sidedrifting, it's worthless. Also the min throttle is inconsistent. My old Merc 2 strokes, 8 or 15hp , drop it, pull, go. Too bad the Yamaha dealer didn't return my call.

Glen Marttila

[timinthegorge]

I've got an '03 Merc 9.9 4 stroke on my 19' stryker. It's a manual start, and it is a bit cold blooded when it's really cold, but it trolls down just fine for cut-plug, and I've never had a single problem with it. My :twocents:

[Beginners luck]

Thanks for all the replies. Good Info!
I bought it. Havent used it yet. Im still wiring it up and I had to buy new control cables. It came with 20ft cables! I ordered a couple of 16 footers and they should be here monday. Anybody have any use for 20 footers? They are almost new. I got the motor, forward controls, fuel tank and the low oil warning light. Under 60 hours for $1400....
I was happy!:meme:
My little 8 hp Suzuki DT-8 sold at the same time I was doing the swap to my neighbor.

Thanks everyone! You guys are great :applause: