I just recently purchased a 17ft Lowe Roughneck 1752D mod V boat with a 50hp merc with jet. I am looking into getting a kicker to go on my boat to troll with. It sounds like 4 stroke is the way to go but am wondering what size? Is 5hp going to be enough? Another thing to consider is what if the big motor decides to quit. Should I get a kicker that can get me back up river(15hp)? Then weight becomes an issue because 4 strokes are heavy. I mainly will be fishing the Fraser, Nooksack, Skagit, Drano Lake. Opinions are greatly appreciated.

Remdrake-

I have a 15 HP Evinrude 4 stroke on my 19' Sylvan and wouldn't think of downsizing. I fish the Columbia, Snake and Drano and there are times the extra hp. comes in handy. Also it is comforting to know it could get me back to the launch should something happen to my 115.

Yamaha has their small 4 strokes assembled with a high thrust prop and this would allow you to drop to maybe an 8 or 9.9. I wouldn't consider a 5 hp on a 17' boat though. As you know at Drano that wind can get pretty nasty and it has turned me sideways more than once. With the extra hp. you can straighten out pretty quick but with a 5 horse it could be a struggle.... Hope some of this helps.

JSTEEL

I use a 9.9 Yamaha 4 stroke on my 19 ft North River, and it's plenty of power. It would definitely be enough to get me back home if the big motor died. I think a 5 hp might be a bit small for a backup motor, but would probably be fine for backtrolling.

I have a ten hrse honda on my 17' almar and it does the job but sometimes just barely.

My mercury (115 jet )is oil injected so I went with the 4stroke but if yours is not, you might want to consider the fact that you will need two gas tanks in the boat if you don't go 2 stroke.

herm

8hp 4-stroke yamaha or honda.Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE