Thread: No more bucket dragging

My dad has a kicker motor as an emergency backup for his big boat. Set the kicker straight and steer with the big motor. We did this for 17 miles when the big motor spun a prop hub. FYI, a 15 hp. Johnnyrude will push a 20 ft. center console for 17 miles on a six gallon tank if you need it to.

I don't have any experience with the removable plates for auxiliary motors, but it seems to be a good idea.

Originally Posted by BigKyd

Powerdrive is another option, not as good as a Terrova but better than a cable steer foot pedal, at least for pulling cranks, not really anything else. I was able to pick up an old powerdrive from one of the members here for I think I paid $125, paid another $150 for the Copilot add-on and I was all set for less than what you already have in your kicker motor. I think the newer Powerdrive V2s can even be upgraded to Ipilot if you can find one cheap. Id like to eventually get a Terrova but for now this works. I can still get into some tricky situations if its windy and im by myself and trying to land fish but at least I'm not tied to my bow by a foot pedal. If i'm getting too far off course and to busy to steer it back on course I just kill it till I get the fish off and into the cooler, then I start it back up and pick up where i left off, the wind will still blow me around without the trolling motor running but but I've found I get more off course if I leave it running while I'm unable to steer.

Maybe I should have consulted the crappie.com brain trust before I bought the little 6hp, I have read a lot of good advice and ideas. I still like the idea of another combustion motor. Thank everyone for the help.

Originally Posted by Wind Knot

My dad has a kicker motor as an emergency backup for his big boat. Set the kicker straight and steer with the big motor. We did this for 17 miles when the big motor spun a prop hub. FYI, a 15 hp. Johnnyrude will push a 20 ft. center console for 17 miles on a six gallon tank if you need it to.

I don't have any experience with the removable plates for auxiliary motors, but it seems to be a good idea.

I thought about setting the small motor straight and using the big one as a tiller. That would probably work but when the wind comes up on Sardis I get pushed sideways using the big motor now. It can take a pretty good correction with the wheel to get back on course. Mild days I bet that would work fine.