TOPIC:

Ok time for the age old debate- I just got a newer truck and as it turns out can pull a larger boat.

So started looking at boats between 17-20' and was really looking for one with a 4 stroke strapped on it. The bad news is the boats I can afford either have a 2 stroke or oil injected 2 stroke. Having a 2 stroke now with the extra kicker I wanted to get away from the whole 2 motor hassle.

Here's the question can a oil injected motor troll all day? and by all day I mean 10-14 hours a day?
keep in mind I'm looking for a 90hp or lower. Don't need to go fast, just want to get there and back.

Which motor do you think would be better?

I would not troll with a 2 stroke. Can you do it - sure. Are you likely to have plug fouling issues at some point? yes. Of course you can manage that issue by revving once in a while, running things like merc quick kleen etc.

If you do go with 2 stroke, make sure its injected as the oil use will be managed much better, especially at low RPM's.

Also, I think the 2 motor hassle is extremely beneficial. With the kicker, you really get GOOD speed control vs. just one larger motor. Also, you get that safety factor if the big motor craps out.

I really would like to stress if your looking for new power (or used) to try to get a 4 stroke. Even though I sold my boat this spring,
when I bought her with the 4 stroke, I would personally never consider another two stroke motor again..be it the etec's, optimax's..etc.
You will not be disappointed and it personally was definitely worth a few extra bucks.
While I never had a kicker on my boat, it too as jeff said could be very beneficial.

and also the 4 strokes are so quiet! I am jealous at how silent they are compared to my opti.

The 2 motor hassle is actually a life saver. If your main engine stops for what ever reason your still able to use your kicker to get in on.

Most boats now are set up to run 2 seperate gas lines from the same gas tank. Its a protection that keeps yout main motor used just to get you from point A To point B. No motor which type of engine you settle on. Trolling on the main is extra wear and tear. They are better used as a run engine. I used to have just the main and added a few years back a kicker. The reduced hours now on the main motor is a plus, and using the kicker allows me to dial in on speed a little better. I have had to come in on just the kicker before and was glad it wad there. Stuff happens, just nice to have back up.

I have the Yamaha 115 - 4 stroke and it is awesome. I would not go 2 stroke unless you are planning to pull skiers or something that you need the holeshot for. The Yamaha is stupid quiet also not that it matters much trolling but throwing that out there.

I bought my boat new 2 years ago and was not planning on Salmon fishing so I got the main motor only. Now that I got bite by the Salmon bug I am starting to look for a Kicker. If you're just looking at trolling a few times a year I would say you could go without but if you are looking at doing it regularly I say get the Kicker.

Also in my opinion 90 HP on a 17' is the absolute Minimum engine I would get unless your planning on staying close to shore (for the great lakes). if you are going above 17' I would say you want at least a 115. My boat is a 17.5' and I have been out and had the waves kick up where I was pretty much full throttling the 115 to get over some of the waves (yes I should have gone in sooner - live and learn). Just my opinions as a newer Lake Michigan fisher so take it for what it's worth.