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Author Topic:   Yamaha F6 for kicker on 1999 Alert 17

Alan Heckman posted 01-19-2014 01:54 PM ET (US)
I just repowered with a Yamaha F70 and am thinking about replacing my 9.9 Mercury 2 stroke kicker with a Yamaha F6.I thought about a Yamaha F8 but it is heavier than my mercury 9.9 and the reason for the change is to shed weight.Just want to know if the Yamaha F6 is enuogh motor for trolling and for emergency backup? Thanks Al
silentpardner posted 01-19-2014 02:59 PM ET (US)
I have just repowered my 1986 Outrage 18 with a Yamaha F115. When I did this, I selected the T9.9 high thrust for my trolling/kicker motor. In my mind, the 20 or 30 pounds of difference between what you are considering and this selection is more than made up for with the convenience of electric start and remote control capability, and if I actually need the kicker in a situation where I cannot start my F115, I don't want to spend all day getting back to the dock.
I would never consider anything outside of a high thrust motor for use as a kicker, and the F6 and F8 are not available in this configuration. It is my opinion that a boat the size and weight of yours requires an T9.9 kicker.
bloller posted 01-19-2014 05:26 PM ET (US)
You would just get a lower pitch prop for the F6 and it would be fine. Personally, I would be looking for the lightest two cylinder kicker of 4hp or more. Those single cylinder motors vibrate and run loud
FISHNFF posted 01-19-2014 07:02 PM ET (US)
I had a 4hp 4-stroke Tohatsu long shaft on my 1998 17 Alert with a Merc 90 4-stroke.
It would push the hull to 5knots in the calm harbor.
My 9.9HT Yamaha pushed my 18 Outrage to 5.5knots, but controlled the boat much much better in the wind and current.
The single cylinder 4/5/6 was rougher and noisier.

FISHNFF
Teak Oil posted 01-20-2014 06:50 PM ET (US)
6hp is plenty for an Alert, I had a 4hp on my Montauk and it was fine.
You do not want a really heavy kicker on a classic 17 hull.
tedious posted 01-21-2014 10:11 AM ET (US)
Why not just get the Yamaha tach with the trolling speed control and skip the kicker altogether? I think a brand new F70 should be plenty reliable.
Alan Heckman posted 01-21-2014 12:09 PM ET (US)
I need a kicker to keep hours down on main motor because I troll for walleye on Lake Erie and also for backup in case of engine failure. WE have no SEA Tow in our area.
Tom W Clark posted 01-21-2014 12:21 PM ET (US)
A Yamaha F6 is just about perfect for an Alert 17. Anything more would be overkill.
Tom W Clark posted 01-21-2014 11:08 PM ET (US)
The Yamaha F6 may come with a stock propeler but for this application it should be traded for the Yamaha 9" x 5" hi-thrust propeller, Yamaha part #6G1-W4592-00-00
Alan Heckman posted 01-22-2014 08:20 AM ET (US)
Thanks for all the replies.I have decided to go with the Yamaha F6 and I will post a report on how it works i April or May.I appreciate the prop recommendation Tom as that was a concern of mine,the part# is a GREAT HELP thank you.Al
Tom W Clark posted 01-22-2014 02:41 PM ET (US)
I should add that the propeller recommendation I made above is for the older two cylinder F6, not the current F6A which is single cylinder motor and uses a smaller prop.
The shortest prop for the F6A is the 7-1/4" x 6-1/2" Yamaha part # 6E0-45949-00-00
fishinchips posted 01-22-2014 04:19 PM ET (US)
You don't want to go to heavy on that kicker. Reason being it will list on that side of the boat.
Staying withing the 5 or 6hp range is good. Maybe get a power prop for it.
ken
Alan Heckman posted 01-22-2014 04:35 PM ET (US)
Tom after reading your last post I would like to run plan B by you. I have also been considering the Tohatsu 6 HP 20" shaft Sail Pro ,it has a 2:15 : 1 gear ratio and I can get an 8.375 x 6"Hi Thrust 3 blade prop with it.The engine is 7.5 cu.in.as opposed to the Yamaha F6 which is 8.5 cu. in. other than that they are pretty much the same. Do you think the Tohatsu would be a better fit on my boat? Al
kwik_wurk posted 01-24-2014 04:00 PM ET (US)
A 6hp single cylinder 4S is a perfect kicker for a classic Montauk. (I have a Merc 6hp 4S, and with a prop guard and re-pitched prop, troll up to with Puget Sound wind chop and 15-20 knots of wind no problems. If it gets windier than that the problem is not maintaining grip in the waves, but holding a course with such a light boat and the bow getting blown around.) -- However I do keep it on a bracket so that it is slightly deeper in the water and further aft, allowing cleaner water for the prop to run in.
I do recommend making a tie bar (Panther) so that the motor can be steered with the main motor, and you don't have to sit back aft to drive.
My only complaint is single cylinder vibrates a bit more than desired, and if ~5-10 lbs could be shaved in weight.
Alan Heckman posted 01-25-2014 06:59 AM ET (US)
Concerning the vibration on single cylinder motors has anyone ever used or heard of the Vibra Stop Pad from quickmarine.com? It is a type of rubber ? pad put between the motor and the mounting surface that is supposed to absorb motor vibration. I am still trying to justify going with the Yamaha or Tohatsu single cylinder 6 hp at 60 lbs. or going with the Yamaha F8LMHA 2 cyl. at 85 lbs. which is 4 lbs. heavier than my current Mercury 9.9 2 stroke.The F8 would allow me to get rid of the 6.6 gallon remote gas tank in the back of the boat which is 45 lbs. when it's full which is most of the time but with the 1 cyl. I could realize another 25 lb.weight reduction for a total of 70 lbs. removed from the rear of the boat. Thoughts? Thanks Al
bloller posted 01-25-2014 02:09 PM ET (US)
I would get the 8hp Yamaha as it will be similar in performance to 9.9 but will look better matched to your main motor and you can switch fuel line back and forth. Not a big fan of the look or need for kicker but staying with same brand is best
bloller posted 01-25-2014 02:14 PM ET (US)
Oh and if using 6hp often and for extended periods, you'll soon wish you had went with an 8hp or more. 6hp ok for emergency use though
Teak Oil posted 01-28-2014 07:18 PM ET (US)
The F6 cannot be attached to the same fuel line as your F70? That would be rediculous. My old 4hp two stroke could even be hooked to a main fuel line.
Why would you need 8hp for running extended periods? It makes no difference on a kicker. Either one is going to go 6mph at WOT, thats it.
6hp is plenty. I have a Yamaha T8 on my 22 Outrage and it is fine for no wake zones and trolling. A high thrust prop is nice, but not a deal breaker on a boat as small as a 17.
As I said before I had 4hp on my Montauk and it was fine. By going from a 6 to an 8 you are spending more money, adding more weight, and getting the same performance.
Alan Heckman posted 01-29-2014 01:55 PM ET (US)
Thanks to everyone that helped me decide which motor to replace my 9.9 mercury 2 stroke kicker with. My main reason was to get a lighter kicker so I decided to get the Tohatsu 4 stroke 6 HP Sail Pro. The deciding factors were it's 59 lb. weight,it comes with a 8.375 x 6 Hi Thrust prop,and it come with a 5 amp. alternator as standard equipment. I will report any pros or cons after I get to use it. Thanks again for all your input. Al
Teak Oil posted 01-30-2014 08:20 PM ET (US)
You should be happy with that. My Yamaha has a 6 amp alternator, and it can run keep my battery charged while trolling no problem.
In a pinch it should have no problem charging a dead battery to start your main engine, after a few beers that is

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Author	Topic: Yamaha F6 for kicker on 1999 Alert 17
Alan Heckman	posted 01-19-2014 01:54 PM ET (US) I just repowered with a Yamaha F70 and am thinking about replacing my 9.9 Mercury 2 stroke kicker with a Yamaha F6.I thought about a Yamaha F8 but it is heavier than my mercury 9.9 and the reason for the change is to shed weight.Just want to know if the Yamaha F6 is enuogh motor for trolling and for emergency backup? Thanks Al
silentpardner	posted 01-19-2014 02:59 PM ET (US) I have just repowered my 1986 Outrage 18 with a Yamaha F115. When I did this, I selected the T9.9 high thrust for my trolling/kicker motor. In my mind, the 20 or 30 pounds of difference between what you are considering and this selection is more than made up for with the convenience of electric start and remote control capability, and if I actually need the kicker in a situation where I cannot start my F115, I don't want to spend all day getting back to the dock. I would never consider anything outside of a high thrust motor for use as a kicker, and the F6 and F8 are not available in this configuration. It is my opinion that a boat the size and weight of yours requires an T9.9 kicker.
bloller	posted 01-19-2014 05:26 PM ET (US) You would just get a lower pitch prop for the F6 and it would be fine. Personally, I would be looking for the lightest two cylinder kicker of 4hp or more. Those single cylinder motors vibrate and run loud
FISHNFF	posted 01-19-2014 07:02 PM ET (US) I had a 4hp 4-stroke Tohatsu long shaft on my 1998 17 Alert with a Merc 90 4-stroke. It would push the hull to 5knots in the calm harbor. My 9.9HT Yamaha pushed my 18 Outrage to 5.5knots, but controlled the boat much much better in the wind and current. The single cylinder 4/5/6 was rougher and noisier. FISHNFF
Teak Oil	posted 01-20-2014 06:50 PM ET (US) 6hp is plenty for an Alert, I had a 4hp on my Montauk and it was fine. You do not want a really heavy kicker on a classic 17 hull.
tedious	posted 01-21-2014 10:11 AM ET (US) Why not just get the Yamaha tach with the trolling speed control and skip the kicker altogether? I think a brand new F70 should be plenty reliable.
Alan Heckman	posted 01-21-2014 12:09 PM ET (US) I need a kicker to keep hours down on main motor because I troll for walleye on Lake Erie and also for backup in case of engine failure. WE have no SEA Tow in our area.
Tom W Clark	posted 01-21-2014 12:21 PM ET (US) A Yamaha F6 is just about perfect for an Alert 17. Anything more would be overkill.
Tom W Clark	posted 01-21-2014 11:08 PM ET (US) The Yamaha F6 may come with a stock propeler but for this application it should be traded for the Yamaha 9" x 5" hi-thrust propeller, Yamaha part #6G1-W4592-00-00
Alan Heckman	posted 01-22-2014 08:20 AM ET (US) Thanks for all the replies.I have decided to go with the Yamaha F6 and I will post a report on how it works i April or May.I appreciate the prop recommendation Tom as that was a concern of mine,the part# is a GREAT HELP thank you.Al
Tom W Clark	posted 01-22-2014 02:41 PM ET (US) I should add that the propeller recommendation I made above is for the older two cylinder F6, not the current F6A which is single cylinder motor and uses a smaller prop. The shortest prop for the F6A is the 7-1/4" x 6-1/2" Yamaha part # 6E0-45949-00-00
fishinchips	posted 01-22-2014 04:19 PM ET (US) You don't want to go to heavy on that kicker. Reason being it will list on that side of the boat. Staying withing the 5 or 6hp range is good. Maybe get a power prop for it. ken
Alan Heckman	posted 01-22-2014 04:35 PM ET (US) Tom after reading your last post I would like to run plan B by you. I have also been considering the Tohatsu 6 HP 20" shaft Sail Pro ,it has a 2:15 : 1 gear ratio and I can get an 8.375 x 6"Hi Thrust 3 blade prop with it.The engine is 7.5 cu.in.as opposed to the Yamaha F6 which is 8.5 cu. in. other than that they are pretty much the same. Do you think the Tohatsu would be a better fit on my boat? Al
kwik_wurk	posted 01-24-2014 04:00 PM ET (US) A 6hp single cylinder 4S is a perfect kicker for a classic Montauk. (I have a Merc 6hp 4S, and with a prop guard and re-pitched prop, troll up to with Puget Sound wind chop and 15-20 knots of wind no problems. If it gets windier than that the problem is not maintaining grip in the waves, but holding a course with such a light boat and the bow getting blown around.) -- However I do keep it on a bracket so that it is slightly deeper in the water and further aft, allowing cleaner water for the prop to run in. I do recommend making a tie bar (Panther) so that the motor can be steered with the main motor, and you don't have to sit back aft to drive. My only complaint is single cylinder vibrates a bit more than desired, and if ~5-10 lbs could be shaved in weight.
Alan Heckman	posted 01-25-2014 06:59 AM ET (US) Concerning the vibration on single cylinder motors has anyone ever used or heard of the Vibra Stop Pad from quickmarine.com? It is a type of rubber ? pad put between the motor and the mounting surface that is supposed to absorb motor vibration. I am still trying to justify going with the Yamaha or Tohatsu single cylinder 6 hp at 60 lbs. or going with the Yamaha F8LMHA 2 cyl. at 85 lbs. which is 4 lbs. heavier than my current Mercury 9.9 2 stroke.The F8 would allow me to get rid of the 6.6 gallon remote gas tank in the back of the boat which is 45 lbs. when it's full which is most of the time but with the 1 cyl. I could realize another 25 lb.weight reduction for a total of 70 lbs. removed from the rear of the boat. Thoughts? Thanks Al
bloller	posted 01-25-2014 02:09 PM ET (US) I would get the 8hp Yamaha as it will be similar in performance to 9.9 but will look better matched to your main motor and you can switch fuel line back and forth. Not a big fan of the look or need for kicker but staying with same brand is best
bloller	posted 01-25-2014 02:14 PM ET (US) Oh and if using 6hp often and for extended periods, you'll soon wish you had went with an 8hp or more. 6hp ok for emergency use though
Teak Oil	posted 01-28-2014 07:18 PM ET (US) The F6 cannot be attached to the same fuel line as your F70? That would be rediculous. My old 4hp two stroke could even be hooked to a main fuel line. Why would you need 8hp for running extended periods? It makes no difference on a kicker. Either one is going to go 6mph at WOT, thats it. 6hp is plenty. I have a Yamaha T8 on my 22 Outrage and it is fine for no wake zones and trolling. A high thrust prop is nice, but not a deal breaker on a boat as small as a 17. As I said before I had 4hp on my Montauk and it was fine. By going from a 6 to an 8 you are spending more money, adding more weight, and getting the same performance.
Alan Heckman	posted 01-29-2014 01:55 PM ET (US) Thanks to everyone that helped me decide which motor to replace my 9.9 mercury 2 stroke kicker with. My main reason was to get a lighter kicker so I decided to get the Tohatsu 4 stroke 6 HP Sail Pro. The deciding factors were it's 59 lb. weight,it comes with a 8.375 x 6 Hi Thrust prop,and it come with a 5 amp. alternator as standard equipment. I will report any pros or cons after I get to use it. Thanks again for all your input. Al
Teak Oil	posted 01-30-2014 08:20 PM ET (US) You should be happy with that. My Yamaha has a 6 amp alternator, and it can run keep my battery charged while trolling no problem. In a pinch it should have no problem charging a dead battery to start your main engine, after a few beers that is