Kicker Motor for R25SC

C

capnlmk

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 15, 2015
Messages
53
Fluid Motion Model
C-26
Hull Identification Number
FMLR2505F516
Vessel Name
Scuttlebutt
MMSI Number
338074766
We do a lot of fishing for Kokanee from our R25SC, but the idle speed is a bit too fast for really effective trolling.

To slow Scuttlebutt down, we have tried taking her in and out of gear, but I really don't like doing that. We have also towed a drogue. That works fine to slow her down to a proper trolling speed, but it makes steering quite a challenge.

So I'm thinking about getting a small "kicker motor" to mount on the swim step. We have the standard Ranger outboard bracket. We have done an initial survey of gas, electric and propane-powered outboards, but haven't decided on the best way to go yet.

Have any of you out there in Rangerland used a kicker motor for trolling and, if so, what has been your experience?

Thanks for your input.

Lawrence Killingsworth
Skipper, Tugboat Scuttlebutt
 
could you fit a trolling clutch to the drive. it was an option on the cutwater.
 
Capnlmk,

Our R27 Volvo D3 has a "low power" button on the helm throttle. We don't have the transmission option installed but it appears to be an option that you may have as well?

Alternatively look up "Island Ranger" in the the gallery. It includes photos of using a 9.9hp Honda outboard as a fishing trolling motor. I believe this was CaptMac's R25. Note the use of a davit and harness needed to lift the motor in place.

We have a 6 hp Yamaha and the trolling bracket but I have been told it is not large enough to use for trolling. I have used the 6 hp only for the dinghy. Maybe you could find a combination that is both powerful enough to be effective and light enough to be convenient.

Curt
 
A slow troll (salmon speed) with an R25 is elusive at best unless you are operating in a windless, current less environment- even with the trolling valve. In my opinion the boat requires a speed that is faster than a troll to maintain steerage. I have tried all of the options suggested and the drogue is the most effective. I think that the rudder is too small in relation to the hull configuration for this particular operation except under optimum conditions. Just an opinion of a dedicated fisherman. If you find a way to make it troll at salmon speed I would love to hear from you.
 
Lawrence,

I think a large kicker mounted on a bracket on the swim step is a good solution. With an extension handle you could drive from the cockpit while keeping an eye on your lines, and also with the outboard for steering you overcome the problem of maintaining steerage way at low speeds.

Brad
 
Thanks, everyone. Good suggestions and plenty to think about between now and spring fishing season.
 
Let us know how you get on. I'm having the same dilemma with my R27.

I've seen some Rangers with the swim grid cut out, outboards installed and second steering stations set up but that seems pretty extreme.....and no doubt a pricey conversion.
 
I posted a kicker motor solution on my site a few years ago, with pictures - you can check it out! Commander Ed
 
After weighing all the options and costs 2 years ago, I opted for the Yanmar factory trolling valve. Simple DIY addition to the engine. Allows me to slow the prop down with a simple pull on a cockpit mounted cable control.
 
I mounted a 9.9 Honda on my new CW 28 swim platform and used it the first time last week on Lk. Powell. Trailered 300 miles up and 300 back . The swim platform flexes , in my mind , way too much . It also started to warp the platform slightly due to the weight hanging off the platform. The swim platform was re-enforced by the factory where the kicker bracket was installed on the platform. I would think it would be even worse if the re- enforcement had not been done.
I plan on doing some additional support work for the 9.9 or use my 6 HP Dingy motor on the next outing to see if it will move the 28 enough to make it a viable option over the 9.9.

Just an FYI,
B Thomas
 
B Thomas,
Hello, new to this forum and new to Cutwater. My C-28LE is being rigged as I type. I found this thread thinking about kicker installation. I have a yamaha 9.9 2 stroke and was considering trading for a T9.9 high thrust 4 stroke (weighing in at 102lbs) Being out East the dealer has not rigged many of these boats and is searching for mounting options (they are planning a custom fix) I assume this wheel has long been created. Curious how you made out with your 9.9 Honda now that it's been on for a year. Which mount did you use? (Factory available?) and in terms of controls did you opt for tiller extension or something more elaborate?
I am also mounting Cannon pads, planning on using two 6" mounting rails and a the 6" aluminum pivot post to get up above the rail... I'm not sure this looks as pretty or secure as the pictures of the Scotty factory application I see in photos but any experience or thoughts on the topic would be helpful.
Just to be complete I do not have the trolling valve installed and although I have a dingy I don't like most of the mount options for this size boat so have settled on a kicker as the best trolling/safety option I can come up with.
Thanks in advance for any comments or thoughts... absolutely brand new to this style of boat.
Thanks
Todd
 
I have a Ranger Tug 25SC. My solution has been to mount a Yamaha 9.9 high thrust with 25 inch shaft on the swim grid but not on a conventional fixed bracket. I tried the fixed bracket at first but the kicker would not tilt up high enough for the prop to clear the wake. Also, it created too much weight hanging aft of the swim grid creating excessive flex on the swim grid when motoring under main power. The Ranger Tug dealer in Port Alberni, Port Boat House, suggested a swivel bracket which enabled the kicker to be stowed laterally over the swim grid when not in use, keeping the prop out of the wake and weight shifted forward. I also have a Ironwood tiller extension to steer. Simple but effective for fishing or backup power. Bob
 
I’ve been utilizing two 42” trolling bags, 1 per side, tow line secured to midship cleats, tag ends tied to stern cleats to prevent bags from rolling under boat, on my 25SC...trolling speed @ 1.8 KPH with decent steerage, although some gusty situations may limit direction as rudder authority is diminished. Has worked well.... Some videos of a similar setup....
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9km9WgxyF-k
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=N8MwtQxjb9E
 
Thank you for replies...
Sassy may I ask the brand or name of that swivel bracket? Or even a picture?
I will try to learn from your experience and jump straight to that solution. I have ordered the T9.9 high thrust 25" already.
Thanks
Todd
 
Bob (Sassy) can you please share how the swivel bracket and 9.9HP kicker worked with your 25sc. I am looking for a similar if the the same solution for my 25sc trolling problem. Thanks in advance!
Randy
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

  • Tugnuts.com is the community hub for Ranger Tug, Cutwater, and Solara owners. Since its inception in 2008, the Tugnuts forum has grown into an active and thriving community of more than 9,000 members. It serves as both a meeting place for the best boating community online, and an invaluable archive of information.

  • User menu
Back
Top