Kicker motor size and capability question

[GPappy]

Fairly new to this and looking for my first Salmon Boat. Getting close to pulling the trigger but have a couple more I want to look at. One of these is a 24' Four Winns Vista with a 8 hr kicker motor. The guy currently uses the boat for Walley fishing in the Saginaw Bay but I would want to outfit it for Salmon.

My question is about the Kicker. Does an 8hp motor have enough power to troll a boat that big? Do you troll slower for Walleye maybe and that is enough? Do people use kickers when fishing for Salmon and what is the advantage? It is a nice boat but the price is higher because of the kicker motor.

Thanks in advance for any advice or thoughts.

Greg

[Adam Bomb]

I have a 21' hydra sports(walk around style) and use a 9.9 4 stroke for both salmon and walleye trolling and i wouldnt want anything smaller. Most times people that fish walleye troll much slower than for salmon. Typical speeds are 1.0-2.5 for walleye. Not too often your going any faster than that. But for salmon, speeds of up to 3.5 are not uncommon at all.

IMO, the 8 hp on there will do the job, but its going to be underpowered IMO. Particularly if your in some rough water. Itll really be laboring pushing that boat. I think youd be better off with a 15 hp. Give you plenty of power to troll and also, if the main dies on you, you have a motor that can get you back in a little quicker with more control. Again, particularly if it gets rough.

I like four stroke kickers because they are quiet, no fumes and they are also very fuel efficient. Plus, they idle down allot better for walleye than the big blocks do without fouling plugs.

If you dont think you want the motor you can always sell it and now is prime time to sell an 8 hp motor with early goose season already underway and duck season right around the corner. I guarantee you there are plenty of waterfowlers out there looking for an 8 hp for their duck rig.

Good luck to ya.

[Priority1]

With only and 8 hp on that boat you are going to be lacking in boat control. Speed and boat control are at the top of the equation for both walleye and salmon.