Question about kicker size

9.9 is perfect for trolling. We haven't had a problem.

How does the 20 do on gas pushing a bigger boat
 

Thanks for the info.  I think i am going to look for a 20, I should be able to find one by june lol. 

My 9.9 Evinrude pushes my 18 ft. Grumman just fine (aluminum also). Perfect for trolling, good on gas, even came back on it when I first got the boat, and I mean literally the first time I had her out. It does take a while tho to get from 70 ft. off the lighthouse back to East Ave.  Trolling in 4-5 footers?  Not this buckeraroo! I won't even perch fish in that stuff.  And good luck trying to run boards in crap like that.  0-3 footers, tops.   Put the kicker on!  Even if you never troll with it, the peace of mind knowing you have a back up is priceless.

The transom is strong.  I had it checked out and the capacity plate says up to 300 hp.  The boat is getting ready to go for its spring check up just to make sure that everything is good
What is an HT 8hp  i have never heard of that.

High thrust 8 HP. Yamaha T8.

My boat is smaller, but do have an Evinrude 15HP 2 stroke. The motors are solid, easy to work on, and a ton of parts and forums to make most fixes yourself, and a bunch of them around so more guys to take to if you can't fix. I believe the technology is a bit simpler than the 4 strokes as well, so might be easier to fix, might want to check around on that though. Very good on gas, not sure comparison to equivalent 4 stroke? Mine putts me around Arthur at 10mph solo, 8mph with another fisherman and gear. I'll get 2-3 trips putting around, trolling, ect. out of a 6 gallon tank. Probably not as efficient as a 4 stroke, but can't be too much difference. $700~ as compared to $2k+, is your likely decision to make. Will you make that money back in gas savings, or have an additional $1250 available? Remember resale too, both should retain value pretty well, and the market in PA for a 20 is high until more 20HPs fill the market. I'd guess mine would get yours going 6-7mph with the 15HP and 8-9mph with the 20, going off of what I was told about changing to 20 myself, and others saying here. The 2 strokes do smoke a bit, and get the wrong wind, is not pleasant.

The market for 20HP used is ridiculous, almost nonexistent for 4 stroke, without paying close to new price. You will be extremely lucky to get a 2 stroke 20HP in decent shape for under $1k and 4 stroke for under $2k. If you can, and have the extra cash, the 4 stroke 20hp is probably the best, per efficiency, local air pollution (in your boat) and ease of gassing and going without mix, but is it worth the cost? I've been having that debate for about 6 years, still have the 2 stroke 15...

I run a 15 horse 4 stroke on my 23' fiberglass and it is perfect for a kicker. What ever you get, make it a 4 stroke. There are soooooo many reasons...

Okay so i did a tree removal job for a gentleman and he paid me with a 14ft aluminum jon boat and a force 9.9 motor.  The motor looks brand new and i know that is has only been used about 5 times since it was bought about 15 years ago.  Always covered and garage kept, really looks nice.  Would this work for my boat or should i use it as a trade + cash for a more reliable motor.  I was thinking about putting it on next week and seeing how it does on the river.  Also it is a tiller steer so could i use the main motor as a rudder for this smaller one.