What size kicker motor?

Question

would be needed for a 21 ft whaler "V" hull boat.

I was thinking 9.9 hp but is that strong enough for ocean currents if I need to go against it to get back to landing?.

Answer 1

Ask the manufacturer about the maximum HP rating for the vessel.A motor about 1/2 that size is what I would consider the minimum size for use in heavy ocean currents.  My grandfather used a deep V 18 foot hull with twin 35 HP  and always said they should have been 50's.  That was on the Columbia river bar.

Answer 2

if caught out in bad weather, especially with following seas, a 9.9 is probably the ABSOLUTE minimum.  I think in the OCEAN,  I might opt for a 15hp, although 9.9 is more affordable.  I'd rather be caught out on a lake or river than in the ocean, but then who wouldn't?

Answer 3

Lori, this really depends on thinking about the "odds" of amazing things that can happen to you!  Sure, you can go with a larger motor, 15 hp for example, just IN CASE you were out caught in a hurricane, your main engine died, no one was around to help you, you couldn't call the coast guard or other rescue for help, not to mention, your 9.9 hp couldn't get you in on top of all that!  So, what are the odds of that all happening?  HOw far out do you go?  Do you pay attention to the weather?  Do you boat in an area that has other boaters out when you are usually?  Do you have a VHF, cell phone, or some way to call if you need a tow-in?  I would go with a simpler, lighter engine - most people don't even have a kicker at all, just the one engine.

Answer 4

Im sure even a 7.5 HP would be fine.

Answer 5

For the currents I like the 15, probably weighs almost the same as the 9.9. For some engine makers, they share the same case.