Use of Auxiliary Motor (9.9hp)

W

wabislander

Well-known member
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Jan 11, 2021
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69
Fluid Motion Model
R-21 EC
Non-Fluid Motion Model
17' wilker
Vessel Name
river time
We are looking at the various options on Rangers and interested in reasons and experience individuals have had with the 9.9 auxiliary power? Assuming for trolling but if I knew I wouldn't ask. Has anyone just gotten it as emergency power? Worth it for those that have spent the extra money? Thanks for your responses in advance.
 
Only speaking for myself, of course... but for a few reasons, the 9.9 is an option I could not live without.

I've done much boating, and have had my share of issues with either engines or props, and was always very glad I had another screw on which to get home! My last 2 boats were twin screw, so this (R-23-OB) is my first single in some time, so maybe that has a little to do with it 😉

Trolling is one of the reasons I got the 9.9 also... mainly because I didn't want to put tons of hours on the main OB having it just "idle" for hours on end. I'd rather put many hours on a smaller motor, which is cheaper to replace/repair in the future.

On our R-23, the 9.9 does a fair job of motoring us in many conditions. I've tested it in different sea states and wind conditions, and am confident that it will keep us out of trouble and/or get us home. Ours has the Panther remote, which makes it nice to be able to sit at the helm and steer. No throttle control with the Panther, but I haven't found that to be an issue as of yet.
 
I would not recommend the 9.9 if you will need to take it on/off your dinghy with any regularity. The 9.9 weighs nearly 100 lbs, which can be pretty tough to manage when on a rocking, slippery boat. Less importantly... the plastic Seadog rail mount bracket that typically comes with the Ranger Tugs isn't big enough or strong enough for the 9.9. I had to make my own.
 
aculverwell":uvyn7na0 said:
I would not recommend the 9.9 if you will need to take it on/off your dinghy with any regularity. The 9.9 weighs nearly 100 lbs, which can be pretty tough to manage when on a rocking, slippery boat. Less importantly... the plastic Seadog rail mount bracket that typically comes with the Ranger Tugs isn't big enough or strong enough for the 9.9. I had to make my own.
Click to expand...
I think he means the 9.9 kicker that is mounted to the boat and not one for a dinghy.
 
We have a 9.9 Yamaha as our kicker/aux motor. We use it while trolling for salmon. I also use it when we are just going very low speeds. Trying to save hours on the 300 Yamaha.
Keep in mind if you are only going to use it as a back up motor it still needs to be run regularly to keep the fuel and carburetor in good shape. If you don’t run it for a year and then need it in an emergency you are taking your chances on it not starting or at least running poorly. Fuel will break down an leave deposits which can plug up the tiny jets in the carburetor. I which Yamaha would come out with a fuel injected 9.9. That would solve the fuel break down problem as the fuel doesn’t have contact with air vs a carburetor engine. I do believe in a backup means of power. My 2 cents.
 
Thanks for the great feedback so far. I like the idea of having a "backup" motor on the boat. From feedback so far I think I would use it for trolling and slow speeds (if I really wanted to go fast I wouldn't be buying a tug :roll: ). I also have varying water levels at my dock and would probably trim the main engine and use it for coming in and out.

I know I can get this answer from Ranger, but, is the 9.9hp solely controlled from the helm or can you steer manually as I see the arm in some photos. I can't tell from images I have found if it is solely tied into the helm steering.

Thanks again.
 
wabislander":3dxvrvnh said:
Thanks for the great feedback so far. I like the idea of having a "backup" motor on the boat. From feedback so far I think I would use it for trolling and slow speeds (if I really wanted to go fast I wouldn't be buying a tug :roll: ). I also have varying water levels at my dock and would probably trim the main engine and use it for coming in and out.

I know I can get this answer from Ranger, but, is the 9.9hp solely controlled from the helm or can you steer manually as I see the arm in some photos. I can't tell from images I have found if it is solely tied into the helm steering.

Thanks again.
Click to expand...


We have a R27 outboard and the 9.9 is mechanically linked to the 300 Yamaha. You steer from the helm. It works well using the autopilot too. There is also a garmin remote which we can also steer with.
I think the r23 and r25 use another type electric steering. I think it’s a Panther brand.
 
Great info. Thanks Mike&Sarah.
 
My Yamaha 9.9 kicker has a remote control for steering, but the feature is completely unnecessary. I let the kicker push the boat forward and the Yamaha 300 (turned off) serves as a very effective rudder. If I need to move the boat quickly in any direction or in reverse, I simply turn on the main engine and ignore the fact that the kicker is even running.

Marshall
 
my-2-cents

If you can, always run ethanol free fuel, disconnect the fuel line to the kicker and run it dry when done for the day and prior to storage to prevent fouling the carb etc.. We recently purchased a R23 with the 9.9/panther setup. Haven't even had a chance to fire the kicker up yet.

Take care,

Doug & Sandy
 
I’m a very minority opinion, and I think if I had the choice again I’d probably skip the 9.9 hp, I never use it and it adds awkward weight on an already off balance to the port side design. I’m a sailor and was scared to be without a backup plan for loss of power, but a well maintained F200 is pretty dependable. My kicker was installed after market, and came in motor and install about $600 less than as a factory option.
Probably mainly should do what gives you confidence in your boat though, boating is supposed to be fun and worry is not fun.
On the other hand, for the price of a kicker, you can get canvas enclosed cockpit, which can be a game changer for year round cruising.
 
More great points. Thanks to all.
 
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