Kicker Length, Long or X-long????

Bat-Ray · 03-19-2005, 07:47 PM

I have a 21' t-jet with a welded kicker bracket and am trying to decide if I want a long or XL kicker. Please let me know what you have or what you know. Thanks in andvance

WaterDog · 03-19-2005, 08:21 PM

My current boat (22') with a welded bracket has a xlong shaft. Works great as there is no cavitation at full throttle.

My last boat (18') with a cut out transom had a long shaft and it would cavitate at full throttle since the prop did not extend below the bottom of the boat but I already had it so I just used it. It was fine for trolling.

I'd say xlong if your going to keep it for a long time and only use it on your t-jet and don't have a smaller boat like a drift boat or car topper that it could be used on.

Bat-Ray · 03-19-2005, 08:29 PM

Water Dog,Thanks for your reply, one concern I have is in trailering the boat, the lower part of the kicker would be pretty close to the ground. Do you leave yours down when trailering?

Vegetarian · 03-19-2005, 08:30 PM

When I had my kicker installed. They ordered an x-long shaft honda 9.9 I wasn't very happy, because I thought it was too long and I would end up banging up props in shallower water. After using it, though, I am glad they did put on a X-long shaft. I realized this last weekend when I was out on the delta and there were some pretty good waves. I could watch the back of the boat roll over the waves, but the prop was staying in the water and didn't miss a beat. I have also heard of the kicker cavitating at higher speeds like Waterdogs. I do troll for stripers at times at speeds of 5-7 mph. I am glad I ended up with the x-long shaft.

WaterDog · 03-19-2005, 08:39 PM

Yup, tow it in the down position and no problems.

Vegie brings up a good point about the prop breaking the surface on a long shaft.

xlong makes for a better rudder too if you like to sit on the hook if your a running a jet. Gives you the ability to move a little side to side.

Hanapa'a Time · 03-20-2005, 07:51 AM

Also when using the kicker in reverse, to stay straight on anchor or slowing down the drift when bottom fishing, the longer shaft works better. Instead of pushing water against the transom and hindering the trust and steering. A good rule to go by is the cavitation plate should be at or just below the bottom of the boat.