2010 R25 Installing a Kicker

[River Bank]

Hello Tugnuts:
How does one install a outboard motor on a 2010 R25 which has a 36" swimgrid?
What sized kicker will propel a R25 at trolling speed?
Bob

 

[Captain Starbucks]

Hi Bob,

I can't be of much help as far as a kicker goes as I do not have one on my tug, but if you're only interested in slowing the boat for trolling, you can go with a much less expensive option, a trolling valve. Do a search on here and you'll find some results. Installation of a trolling valve is very simple as well.

Rob

 

[Tug@myHeart]

I did install a 20hp yamaha kicker on a 2009 R25. Total cost over $8k. See pics on my album. If you like having a back up engine and a smell free method of propelling your boat very quietly, then this is for you. If you are just looking to go slow install a trolling valve. Hope that helped.

 

[STELLA L]

I installed a trolling valve after conferring with members of the tugnut "board". I have a 25SC and since I am located on Lk Washington wanted to take advantage of the cutthroat that are here. It calls for trolling between 1.4 and 2.3 mph. My boat would only go to 3.4 mph even with a big sea anchor. Since my boat had a trolling motor bracket already on the swim platform I was able to try a 6 hp long shaft Yamaha. There was no control over the steering at any speed and that was on a dead calm day.

Ordered the trolling valve from Ranger, and Andrew showed me a couple items to watch and had it on in 10 minutes. The cable took longer as I had to drill one hole and secure it. Total was about 45 minutes and I am no mechanic!! For those who have the Volvo engine there is not a trolling valve at this time (according to the Volvo rep I met). Since I installed the valve have fished a couple times and after learning how it runs have got to 1.4 mph. At these speeds wind is definitely going to be a factor and I will have to troll with it or at an advantageous angle. If one were fishing in the ocean where there are a lot more factors such as tides and currents I would definitely see if I could fish w/o installing a valve.

One other thing to mention. The trolling valve cannot be used over 1000 RPM!!!!! I have a cover for my throttle and it goes on when I have the trolling gear engaged. I put the engine in gear (850 rpm) and then adjust the trolling valve. If I were to take the engine out of gear I then have to readjust the trolling valve each time I do this. There are some drawbacks but as with everything one learns how to work around or with it.

 

[NewMoon]

If you like the idea of having a kicker for backup as well as trolling, you can do it with less than 20hp. A 9.9hp high-thrust kicker easily propels our 11,000 lb 26-footer at salmon trolling speeds. It can do close to 5 knots wide open, even with the sterndrive in the down position (speed relative to the water, of course).

 

[PhilR]

I installed a detachable transom on my swim platform, and carry a Honda 5HP long shaft for trolling and as backup power. Max speed is about 3 mph. When my oil line let go last year, it got me 14 miles back to the dock in a 30 mph wind. A tiller extension allows me to steer and adjust throttle from the cockpit. It's not perfect, but from what I've read, neither is the trolling valve.

 

[Zundels]

Like others, our previous owner had a bracket made that bolts on top of the swim platform with a plate underneath and strong bolts going through the platform slots. This works well for our 9.9 outboard. This works great as a back up or for trolling slower for the large king salmon.

Don