C24 with a Suzuki 20 hp kicker

[Matchayan]

I am considering a Suzuki 20 hp for a kicker has anyone have this set up and any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I currently have a C24 with a Yamaha 250.

 

[chicagosam]

I don't think Suzuki sells a 25" long shaft 20hp kicker.

 

[Kimberly Dawn]

I assume, using the term "kicker", you are using this motor for fishing. I don't really know what your needs are, so consider my opinion accordingly.

In Washington, any motor 10 hp and over requires yearly registration... consequently, 9.9 hp from all mfrs.

If fishing, do you need speed to be successful targeting your species. Certainly not salmon here in the PNW. Are you consistently fishing waters or seasons where current is a factor?

Look around your fishing grounds and compare motor size with boat size. See any 20 hp kickers? Boat size?

For what it's worth, I think 20 hp is overkill... I would opt for the 9.9 and throw the left over money into a nice electronic throttle/steering system.

Bob
The Doghouse 2

 

[Matchayan]

We fish here all year and many times with high tides the currents can be a problem . I had Yamaha 9.9 on my previous boat a 22 ft Duckworth it was ok for trolling but when the wind picks up it did not have the power. The Yamaha 9.9 is not injected and was hard to start so I wanted a injected engine. In B.C. some people are putting on Yamaha 25hp on there C24’s but they are very heavy. In Canada there is no yearly fee and only one registration for the vessel. Suzuki makes a 5 inch extension for their kickers to get the needed length. Also the Suzuki 20 is injected and only 25 lbs heavier than a Yamaha 9.9 and 50lbs lighter than the Yamaha 25. I guess I also feel a bit better with more thrust in a get home situation. Of course this is only my opinion. The reason for my question was because I have no experience with Suzuki and was curious if people could comment on how the 20 hp pushes the C24. Thanks for your input.

 

[NorthernFocus]

I am considering a Suzuki 20 hp for a kicker has anyone have this set up and any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I currently have a C24 with a Yamaha 250.

For a kicker HP isn't necessarily a good measure. What matters is how much thrust it produces. Yamaha makes a 9.9 high thrust that is specifically geared and propped for "kicker" service. I can't speak directly to the C24 but we have a Yamaha 9.9 high thrust on an R25 classic and it pushes it at hull speed in a calm. With 10-15 kt headwind it'll make about 3.5 kt. It is not EFI but does come fitted with an alternator, electric start, and electric tilt. I find cold starting isn't an issue with the electric starter.

Whatever outboard you are considering if it isn't already fitted with a high thrust(i.e.large diameter, shallow pitch) prop then you may want to research what size/pitch props are available.

 

[Kimberly Dawn]

Matchayan,

Your last post shed a bit more light on my side of the cave...

Tidal currents for one, and fishing throughout the winter when weather can be more challenging, but the most important requirement, in my humble opinion, is redundancy as a main motor in emergencies.

Now, for Suzuki motors, our R27-OB has a Suzuki 300 hp main and a 9.9 fuel-injected kicker. We love Suzuki! I feel extremely fortunate this was the only brand being installed on our generation of tug at the time but has since reverted back to Yamaha.

Best of luck with your little project!

Bob
The Doghouse 2

 

[Matchayan]

Thanks for the replies, redundancy is a major concern. The 9.9 that was on my previous boat was a high thrust and that is the experience I based my decision on. The boat weighed less than 5000 lbs loaded and on a calm day would move it at about 6 mph and if there was any wind above 5 mph we made no headway. I may have had a bad engine but starting was always a problem and the dealer said they could not find any issues. Thanks for the tips on the prop I will enquire about it today.

 

[ixlr8]

Everything I could find on the Suzuki, they are good reliable motor with some plus's and minus's when compared to the Yamaha's. I opted for a Yamaha on my 27OB as there are 5 Yamaha dealers within a 30 mile radius of me, one of those is 2 miles away, and 0 Suzuki dealers. I wouldn't worry about the quality of the Suzuki.

 

[wtsawyer]

My previous owner on a 2018 C24 had installed a 30hp YAMAHA as his kicker, but took it with him for his new Cutwater.
Now, he wants to sell it to me...
Question: Is a 30 HP kicker "too heavy" for the transom and hurt my balance and performance?
I'm a little worried about venturing out into the Gulf of Mexico with only the single 300 YAMAHA.
Thanks!
Tom