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I have a '92 Sport with a '92 28hp Johnson. The motor has been reliable but is 20 years old and did piss me off once last season by not wanting to start as I was drifting into a rocky cliff. I paddled like mad away from the island, pull started it just fine, and then got electrocuted every time I touched the throttle and steering wheel at the same time. Once we got back to the ramp I easily found the loose ground wire.

I've come across a pristine looking long shaft 4hp Evinrude of the same vintage with no reverse gear. Given last years experience I've been thinking about it as a kicker. The price/condition is right. Its big enough to be a water cooled twin, but without a reverse gear its only 37 lbs. It should be more than enough power to get a low profile short waterline length boat up to hull speed in any conditions a sane person would consider taking such a little boat. It uses the same fuel mix and connectors as the Johnson.

Whaler indicated a kicker for the 13s should be 20" shaft, BUT I've read some comments saying a 20" shaft kicker will drag when tilted up so a 15" is better. Anyone have personal experience with that?

Any other potential down sides?

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I think your spinning your wheels. I would never put a kicker on a 13. If Anythint at all a trolling motor. Not for nothing. Get the 28hp serviced.