GBalls

Yes, they are a terrific product. They are so nice I'm almost afraid to use them on my boat. Don't want to mess them up! Hmmm... didn't realize they did the engraving, let me see.... Glenn

You may want to consider these rod holders. They are a similar to the Cannon, but it looks like they have redesigned them to avoid the pin problem as I have heard this has been an issue. I have them and they are great. Made in Canada too! (I have nothing to do with the company) https://eriebaitandtackle.ca/products/custom-fishing-solutions-single-rod-holder?_pos=4&_sid=55b9e5cf5&_ss=r Glenn

A little late, but thank you very much for the response Len. Much appreciated! Glenn

Thank you Laker1. Glad it worked out for you. Could have been more serious by the sound of it! Yikes! Appreciate the response. Glenn

Appreciate the response. Thank you! Glenn

Thank you Billy. Good to hear that it worked out well. Glenn

Hey Guys, Hope all is well. I have been thinking about adding a small switched fuse panel to my boat so that I have easy access if I want to add accessories that require power. Keep things neat too. I figured this would be a way to simplify things and make it safer. I have added a stereo, fish finder and a couple other things, but I had to fish around under the console to find an area to get power and ground. Not convinced this is the best way to go. Everything is working, but always wonder if it's the best hook up! The stock dash has a breaker panel for everything so I know where the breakers are. Adding accessories puts fuses all over the place! Thinking it would be nice to have anything I add all in one place. What do you guys think? Anyone else done this? Adding accessories to existing wiring or add a fresh fuse block and make it easy and maybe safer on myself? Look forward to your opinions. Thank you, Glenn

Thanks Nautitroller, I will check out the link! My batteries and gas tank (internal) are mounted through the center of the boat. If I fish by myself the boat would probably be pretty level with a kicker on it. Glenn

Thank you Les, I do appreciate your insight and experience. I'll probably do something in the spring so I am considering all options. Just a little concerned about the weight. Of course being indecisive isn't helping either! Glenn

Hey Gregger300, I did look at a 9.9 with full control (agreed it would be a pain to adjust a tiller all the time for me anyway.) However it does add about 100 - 125+ pounds to the port side of the boat. I put 125 pounds on my boat to see how it would sit in the water with this weight on it. It does list about 1-1 1/2" I am told this will cause to the boat to feel as though the 'alignment' is a little 'off' all the time. Not sure if I would like that. A 9.9 isn't really all that small either. It has been suggested that a 5-6 HP would be enough not only for trolling if I want, but also enough to get me back if the main motor fails. Won't break any speed records mind you and I don't like to go out when it is rough anyway! So, I may just go with a long shaft tiller 5-6 hp at 60lbs, steering rod to the main engine and a throttle control of some sort. My 115 Yamaha does troll well and I am not too concerned about putting hours on it so may just keep the little motor as a backup. May be a pain to use the tiller, but really just use it rarely anyway. I do have an electric motor up front to so I have heard that some guys set the 'kicker' straight ahead and steer with the electric. That could be an option to. I wondered why some guys had their electric motor out trolling for salmon... then I found out why! Having said all of that, I wish they would come out with a small 5-6 hp 60lb motor with full remote controls. The controls can just be small as to not take up too much helm space. That would be ideal! Any manufacturers listening!? Thank you for you input! Glenn

Good point. How is the engine size best determined for the boat size to reach hull speed? Boat is around 2000 pounds give or take. Glenn

Thank you AnglingAddict. Appreciate the response. Glenn

I have attached photos of the boat.

Thanks guys, so many good suggestions here. Isn't that incredible! So simple and never thought of it... I'll give that a go. I'll start weighing people at the marina to see who is the right weight! >>you could test it out by having someone sit on the port transom and see how the boat reacts to the extra weight. << Glenn

Thank you guys. You have been very helpful and I appreciate it! Glenn

Do you use that 4 hp Honda for trolling as well or just as an emergency backup?

Thanks guys, appreciate the responses. You don't find that the kicker changes the stance of the boat much? Guess it depends on the size of the boat.

Thank you Sk8man!

Good friend to have! Glenn

Hi All, I am considering adding kicker motor for my boat. For safety reasons (backup if main engine fails) and trolling. I have some concerns about the extra weight on the transom though. Maybe it’s unfounded. I’d appreciate your experience adding a kicker. I would add it to the port side of the boat so when I am alone it probably balances out. I am told by the dealer that the whole kicker package will add about 100 lbs. 9.9 Yamaha My boat is an 18’ fibreglass Stratos 375 XF with a Yamaha F115. Hull weight is about 1700lbs. The boat is rated for a 140HP engine and a 1600 pound load (occupants, engine, fuel, gear) I am not that close to that load. Seems like a very stable boat right now. I am wondering if adding a kicker will cause the boat to list much or interfere with down rigger cables? Anything else to consider? Would it be an idea to add weight to the front of the boat for balance? I do have an electric trolling motor I could add to the front of the boat. I guess there is no real way to know until it is done, but by then it’s a little late! Really appreciate experiences others have had adding a kicker. Thank you, Glenn

Thank you both very much. I am looking at a Yamaha with all the frills that comes in at about 100 Lbs. all in. What did you do Les when you were stuck in 1980? You obviously made it back! Thank you for the response. Glenn

Hey Gang, Hope all are well. I have a question about a backup plan if the main engine fails out in the middle of the lake. I have an 18' fiberglass deep V Stratos boat with a 115 Yamaha. I do take care of my stuff and service it well, but being that I fish alone (or with someone I care about!) in the back of my mind I do have a slight fear of being stranded in Lake Ontario due to engine failure with no way to get back or unable to control the boat safely with my engine not working. I do tend to only go out on reasonably calm water, nothing too crazy... just don't find it fun if it's too rough. I just wondered what you guys think or do and is this a legitimate concern? I know there is C-Tow out of Toronto, any experience with them? I do have an electric motor with 75lbs of thrust and two lithium batteries which could probably go a long time. I have been considering a small 9.9 kicker motor as a backup, but have some concerns about the extra weight on the transom, listing and taking up space back there. Any thoughts or suggestion would be great! Thank you, Glenn