Kicker motor

[paprman]

Thinking about getting a kicker this spring. https://onlineoutboards.com/collections/outboard-motors seems to have best prices with no tax and free shipping. Debating between the Mercury, Tohatsu or the Suzuki 9.9hp with elec start and power trim. The Suzuki is the least expensive then Tohatsu and Merc the most expensive. Has anybody bought a motor from onlineoutboards?  Opinions on the brands of motors. I think they all make a quality product but is there a good reason to spend more on the Mercury or Tohatsu? Prices start at $2625 for the Suzuki, $2737 for the Tohatsu and $3030 for the Mercury. 

[Rookie Fisherman]

The 9.9 Suzuki is a lot of engine for the money. 12 amp alternator 3 year warranty

The Tohatsu also has EFI, 12 amp alternator & 5 year warranty.

The Mercury 9.9 is a carb unit, 6 amp alternator. Warranty right now is 5 year (3+2)

 

Alternator output may or may not matter to you depending if you are running any additional electronics on the same battery as the kicker. At trolling speeds you don't get full alternator output anyway.

 

Something to consider.... at the $3030 price for the Mercury you are looking at the Pro-Kicker (PK) model I assume.

The Pro-Kicker is lower geared with a taller/deeper gear case and a larger 4 blade thrust prop.  

The Pro Kicker is specifically designed for trolling and in wind/waves it will out perform the other 2 engines in these conditions. 

 

To get the Merc with EFI & 12 amp alternator you have to go to a 15HP. It probably adds another few hundred bucks to the cost but is one hell of a Kicker. Only adds 14 pounds over the 9.9.

 

What size boat are you installing it on?

[paprman]

Good info. I've got an Alumacraft tournament pro 185 with a 150hp Yamaha.

[Rookie Fisherman]

9 hours ago, paprman said:

Good info. I've got an Alumacraft tournament pro 185 with a 150hp Yamaha.

 

Any of the 9.9's should push the boat just fine. As I mentioned above though the Pro Kicker will do better in wind/waves simply because the prop grabs more water.

Another thing to consider is maintenance, repairs & parts. Who of those manufactures have a good reputable shop in your area should you need work on the motor.

[FishingFool34]

Two years ago I bought my 8hp Tohatsu kicker from onlineoutboards… No complaints with them. Delivered right to my front door. I had that 8hp on a 175 Alumacraft T-Pro and it was plenty for that boat. Just an FYI Tohatsu makes all Mercury motors 15hp and below.

Edited February 27, 2020 by FishingFool34

[Sk8man]

Although Tohatsu does make the small motors they are not exactly the same specs and construction for each motor.

Edited February 27, 2020 by Sk8man

[Rookie Fisherman]

I

22 minutes ago, FishingFool34 said:

Two years ago I bought my 8hp Tohatsu kicker from onlineoutboards… No complaints with them. Delivered right to my front door. I had that 8hp on a 175 Alumacraft T-Pro and it was plenty for that boat. Just an FYI Tohatsu makes all Mercury motors 15hp and below.

 

I ordered a 9.9 Merc for a buddy of mine from Online Outboards as you said no problems delivered right to your door a a great price!

 

Mercury outboards up to 30HP are built by TMC "Tohatsu Marine Corporation". However TMC is a Joint Venture  partnership corp formed between Tohatsu & Brunswick (Mercs parent company) in the late eighties.

They build both Mercurys and Tohatsu at this plant but as Sk8man said the specs are not the same across the line up.

Merc mid engine sizes are also build it China at a separate factory. Merc large engines are assembled in Wisconsin 

 

 

[jerryriggin]

Bought a suzuki 9.9 x long shaft power tilt trim electric start hi thrust from port-a-boat  for 2700 shipped to my door back in January.

[paprman]

Got one on sale price of $2595 long shaft, elec start, power tilt and hi thrust from port-a-boat. Might do that. Lot's of good reviews of Suzuki.

[jerryriggin]

Pretty smooth transaction I talked with Paul seemed like a good guy.

[Sk8man]

Rookie Fisherman is right on target  and servicing should be a consideration. Many if not most marinas will service Mercs but not Suzukis or even Tohatsu's so having a servicing option nearby can be a good idea. Much of the time though these kickers are pretty smooth going for the most part and the winterizing and maintenance pretty simple.

[paprman]

The nearest service dealers is Frontenac Harbor. About 50 miles away. I have dealt with them as that's where I boat my boat. It does get expensive because DeLago casino is right on the way there and my wife insist on going along. I drop her off at the casino while I take care of boat business. Ha!Ha!

[Sk8man]

Yeah boats can be high maintenance but nothing compared to the ladies

[SamonSez]

I need to get a kicker this year as well and I am wondering why I don't hear anything about Yamaha being thrown into the mix. Thinking of 9.9 hi thrust with tilt. Any opinions or valuable information?

[paprman]

Yamaha are Carburetor not efi. Same with the Mercury unless you go to 15hp. 

[Mike M]

I've got a 2010 Merc 9.9 Pro Kicker on my 22 ft Pen Yann. Its made by Tohatso and has a carb. I'm totally happy with it. Runs like a sewing machine. Uses almost no gas. Have a TR-1 AP hooked up to it. Love the set up!  When it comes to making motors that last and are trouble free I've learned from experience to trust the Japanese. Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki,Tohatso . Lots of happy customers!  I've pulled my boat with Broncos,Suburbans and now a Tundra. The others don't compare to the Tundra. When its my day to go I just don't want any mechanical problems!!

[Fishstix]

You will hear about Yamaha now. 20yrs on a 115Hp . Changed motor oil yearly along with gear lube.Impeller every other year.Pull a plug and if they are brown I put them back in. Changed the timing belt last year for the first time. 15 yrs on a 8Hp HT Yamaha kicker same maintenance as the 115. I dont have the hours in front of me now but many 1000's.  Neither motor back to the dealer .ever.  I run the cheapest gas I can find.Crank over once and they are running.  Quiet , they are very quiet. I would not replace with anything else.  

 Not a salesman but I run Amzoil.

[paprman]

My point is if your going to get a new motor why buy old tech when new is available? That's my opinion but to each their own.

[Rookie Fisherman]

46 minutes ago, paprman said:

My point is if your going to get a new motor why buy old tech when new is available? That's my opinion but to each their own.

 

It goes two ways. Tried & True is also good.

 

One thing to consider. I spoke with one person a couple years ago at then launch regarding a troll controller that was installed on an EFI Kicker and he said it was "Jumpy" when adjusting rpm's. I don't remembers who's controller or motor but I do remember it being an EFI kicker.

Maybe someone else can give some input on this and maybe it was just that particular one, not sure.

 

I have the 15 Pro-Kicker (carb model- just before the EFI was released) paired with an i-troll and its awesome to say the least.

 

I think the reality is any of those motors will probably serve you well. 

 

 

Edited February 28, 2020 by Rookie Fisherman

[Rookie Fisherman]

10 hours ago, Fishstix said:

You will hear about Yamaha now. 20yrs on a 115Hp . Changed motor oil yearly along with gear lube.Impeller every other year.Pull a plug and if they are brown I put them back in. Changed the timing belt last year for the first time. 15 yrs on a 8Hp HT Yamaha kicker same maintenance as the 115. I dont have the hours in front of me now but many 1000's.  Neither motor back to the dealer .ever.  I run the cheapest gas I can find.Crank over once and they are running.  Quiet , they are very quiet. I would not replace with anything else.  

 Not a salesman but I run Amzoil.

 

Always liked those Arima & Defiance boats! 

Funny, we are talking about kickers and in your photo your trolling with your main

[SamonSez]

Good info guys! Many things to consider...

[Fishstix]

Usually I start out on the main as its already running get things set then switch over. But you are right ,my mistake.     Still one of my favorite pictures....

[Sk8man]

It is a familiar site on the Fingers too Stan; especially during derbies

Edited February 28, 2020 by Sk8man

[paprman]

Just ordered a motor from Outboarddirect.com. Choice a 9.9 Tohatsu with elec start and power trim. Talked to the owner on the phone a got an extra $99 off $2575 delivered. 

[Sk8man]

I got mine from them in 2016 and am very happy with the motor and pricing.