Trolling question

[ebijack]

A few reasons for not using the large engine, idle is the worst condition for a 4 stroke engine as it is the lowest oil pressure and typically causes premature cam wear and crank bearing wear. Like mentioned, you will pay for a kicker in the fuel you save, and any extra maintenance you would have to do the large engine. The kicker can always get you back to port ( been there done that) so safety is good. A kicker will allow you to troll at what ever speed you want, with bags, you will only be able to get down to 1.4 mph on average if there is any wind. I'm not saying you shouldn't do it, but typically you spent less than 1 hour running the big engine to/from fishing spots/day. Trolling is usually 4 to 6 hours/day. That is a lot of hours to not have on your big engine season after season. You should be able to find a 2 stroke used kicker for well under $1000. A used 4 stroke kicker $1500 to $2500 if you don't want to go new. A lot of folks don't like the smell of the 2 stroke fumes, the 4 stroke you just don't notice them, but the carbon monoxide is still there, you just don't notice it. Just things to think about.