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Member
Posts: 118
Location: OSHKOSH, WI | I was going to install one of these on my Big Motor (135 Mariner) while I wait to afford a kicker? Someone stated a bad idea. What are the "side effects" of installing one of these? For those not familiar with the "Happy Troller" it is a metal plate that you can lock in position behind your prop that slows your boat down to a trolling speed. Thanks FLY |
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Member
Posts: 874
Location: Neenah, WI | Installing a trolling plate will work but there are other things to consider if you troll a lot. You'll be putting tons of idling time on a big motor over the course of the summer. That can't be good for it. If you keep doing that it probably won't be long before you have problems with the motor. If you compare the cost of a rebuild to the price of a used T-8 or a 9.9 you'll opt for a kicker. A kicker is also easier on gas and it will get you back in if your big motor should break down on you. I'm not a mechanic but that's the way I see it. Good Luck with your decision. |
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| I'll second that. an early 90's low hp merc may cost ya 300-600$. that probebly aint much more then you will be spending on the plate and gas in the big motor. and the Mariner 135's have cylinder cycle offs at low rpm's, right? I definately would not troll with it then. |
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| Get a set of trolling bags and rig them to run midships off your bow cleats. They will work fine and stay out of your way while trolling with the big motor. |
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| i have have a happy for 13 year on a johnson 85 tiller and no problems motor still runs like new and its never been looked at |
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Member
Posts: 794
Location: Elgin, Illinois | There is almost a "whole world" of difference between an 85hp and a 135hp motor. That 135hp has been pushed up the performance scale... So, a trolling plate might be a real choice on a 40-75hp but not as good of a choice as we move up the hp scale.
I have a 1972 20hp Johnson that is now relegated to backup boat duty during duck season. It gets pulled off the boat and fogged and put away... It has twice been put away for almost two years and I expect it to get new gas and plugs and be ready to run on the second or third pull... it does. Now there is no way I would expect a V-6 to do the same... Same idea but just a way different animal. The larger hp motors are most comfortable at or around WOT, not at idle...
I am running a 1975 OMC kicker that has been rebuilt once 8 years ago... I really want to buy a T-8 with all the bells and whistles... But, setup with a Bracket Pro (hard to justify trim and tilt) and forward controls (better than a trollmaster IMHO) I can run at a range of (GPS) 0.6 to 8.6mph and although she does have that 2 cycle smell I can get two days of trolling out of 3 gallons of gas... Oh yeah, and it starts on the first or second pull so even electric start is no reason to switch. So, reach out and find a small kicker and you will be way ahead... |
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