trolling plate vs. kicker

[knewfish]

I have been trolling in the past using a kicker. To save money and weight, I have been told that a trolling plate can be used instead. I have a bought a new boat with a 200hp 4-stroke yamaha. Will running this engine at slow speeds for long periods of time be harmful to it? Also have there been any problems with using a trolling plate?

 

[scott craven]

i would think your main concern would be the fuel consumption ??
no problem idling a 4 stroke for long periods, just like idling your car.
i troll with my 50hp 4 stroke for hours at a time, and no ill effects.
as for trolling plate , can't help you....

 

[finaddict]

I'd keep the kicker on regardless. Always good to have a back up no matter how new the main plant is. The only set back I can think of for a four stroke is the possibility of carbon build up on the valves, but a good run after the trolling time should fix that. Caveat Emptor (Buyer beware) I am not a real mechanic, I only play one on TV

 

[Slabby20]

Go with the kicker. Less hours on the big one, less gas, more safety. Also, it is just a matter of time until you forget that trolling plate is there and you'll try and take off with it down. Been there and done that a long time ago. Bends really easy that way. Just my opinion.

 

[teamchachi]

I'd go with a kicker for a few reasons:
- You'll use WAY less fuel
- You don't really want to pile the hours on your main
- You can troll slow much easier on a kicker
- Safety - A kicker will get you home if the main fails