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I own a 1991 Outrage 17, I have a New Honda 90 that powers it. I would like to put a kicker motor on it as well but am concerned with the weight. Has anyone had any experience with this particular setup and if so whats the smallest size motor that I can get buy with
thx
Doug O

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Doug, why do you feel you need a kicker? In years past, this was for reasons of fuel economy at trolling speeds and as a "get home" motor. With a modern, fuel-injected motor, neither of those reasons make sense any more.

Tim

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I owned a 1991 Outrage 17 for over 7 years.

I would NOT install a kicker. This model is very sensitive to stern weight.

Your motor is listed as 360 lbs dry. Add 30 lbs for fluids and prop.
My F115 @ 410 had the drains 2" below the water line and it was dicey. Even after moving battery and all weight to the console and forward cooler. I did not use the bait well or stern compartments.

Where is the water line on the transom in relation to the splashwell drains?

Given modern technology, your motor is highly efficient at idle and low speed. If trolling is needed, consider adding a baffle to lower idle speed.

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Even new motors break. Had a buddy with 2 year old etecs and has blown the powerhead on each one in less then 400 hours. Have another buddy last week with a 3 year old Yamaha that started to have fuel issues and limped back on his 10hp kicker. Motors even brand new can and will break.

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My boat is actually in Kona Hawaii, the only reason I want a kicker, is to get home if my Honda would quit out on the ocean. Everyone out there either run 2 motors or have a backup to get home. I was wondering if a 5hp Honda would push the outrage 17 ok? I could keep it up in the bow and put it on the kicker bracket if I would need it.

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I understand the desire for a reserve motor. I did open ocean cruising solo in the off season months.

Consider testing the added weight by figuring the motor and bracket and then adding it to the splashwell using bags/buckets of sand or water (8 lbs per gallon) to see how the hull sits.

Do you think you can manhandle a 60 lb motor (Honda 5 hp) over the transom and attach to a bracket in 2' swells by yourself?

Ensure your boat has sealant between the splashwell and surround. On my boat, there was no sealant and when the splashwell filled up, it overflowed into the bilge.

P.S. Did you purchase the boat recently? I think I may know the prior owner.

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thanks for the info, No I have owned the boat for a few years

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I have a Tohatsu 6 hp Sail Pro model kicker on my 1999 Alert 17, it weighs 59 lbs ,comes standard with a high thrust prop, an alternator, and a 20 inch shaft.It will push my hull at 6.1 mph. That being said be careful not to put too much weight on your transom. Check and see what the maximum recommended weight is for your boat is and stay as far under it as you can.

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While Alan's comments concerning max weights are true, keep in mind the weight sensitivity issue referenced is for this specific model (1990-1995 Outrage 17 I)

I have not experienced or seen this issue with the classic Montauk 17 or Outrage 18 hulls.

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A 5hp on your 17 should be plenty and well worth doing if you go offshore.

I have a 6 hp 4 stroke on my Montauk 17 that weighs about 85lbs and I can go about 5kts max in calm seas with the standard prop. I installed it to starboard to the weight is offset by the propeller torque when running. I use it all the time for fishing to control my drift and slow trolling etc. It's really nice to be able to fish from the stern and completely control the boat with one hand. I know you guys in HI like to slow troll live baits out there, a kicker would be perfect for that.

Lots of things can happen and having a kicker is piece of mind and mine has saved me several times.

I was 10 miles offshore this summer and had a problem with my steering, I was able to un jam the control box but knowing there was a work around was comforting.

Last winter I camped 35 miles from nowhere in the everglades out of Flamingo for 6 nights. We were way beyond cell or radio range and last day we woke up to dead batteries and I couldn't pull start the main while it was cold..., need I go on?

One option I added was an alternator harness that I rigged to charge my main battery from the kicker. It's not enough juice to jump start it but after switching off one of the batteries it took about 2 hours of running and I had enough juice to start the main.

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Many people think they are invincible with twin motors, until they hit a low lying log or something else. How about bad fuel killing both motors? If you have to put some weight in the bow to compensate for the weight in the stern.

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From what I could find and in my option, the max hull weight on my 1988 Newport is 410#, my 1989, 2 stroke ,90hp evinrude Fith ,weight in around 330#, with power trim and tilt, my 1986 2stroke, 20"shaft, 9.9hp evinrude weight in around 85#, I 'm right around max hull weight, I have had no problems, with this set up. The boat handles well, I through bolted it to the starboard side.


(changed abbreviated years to full 4 digit years per guidelines at the top of this page)