Mercury ProKicker Explained: What Makes a Kicker Motor Different?

Most boat owners are familiar with their main outboard, but what about the smaller engine mounted beside it?

That's called a kicker motor, and for anglers who spend hours trolling, it can be one of the most useful additions to a fishing boat.

The Mercury ProKicker lineup is designed specifically for low-speed operation, giving anglers more control over their trolling speed without relying on their primary engine.

But there's more to choosing a kicker than simply picking the smallest outboard available.

Why Not Just Troll With Your Main Outboard?

You certainly can, but depending on your boat and engine, even idle speed may be faster than you'd like.

Some fishing techniques require maintaining very specific speeds, particularly when trolling crankbaits, live bait, or other presentations where lure action changes with speed.

A ProKicker uses gearing and a propeller designed for low-speed thrust, helping move the boat at controlled speeds without constantly shifting the main engine in and out of gear.

It also allows you to reserve your primary engine for getting to and from fishing locations.

What Makes Mercury ProKicker Engines Different?

Mercury ProKicker outboards are available in several horsepower configurations, including 9.9, 15, and 25 HP.

Their fishing-focused features include:

• High-thrust propeller: Designed to provide controlled propulsion at lower speeds rather than maximizing top-end speed.

• Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI): Helps deliver consistent starting and operation across changing conditions.

• Tiller or remote controls: Depending on the configuration, anglers can operate the kicker directly or through compatible helm controls.

• Power tilt: Makes raising and lowering the kicker more convenient when transitioning between trolling and cruising.

The result is an outboard designed to spend extended periods doing something larger engines aren't always optimized for: moving slowly and consistently.

Can a ProKicker Be Connected to Your Main Engine's Steering?

Yes, and this is something worth considering before installation.

Depending on the boat's steering system, a kicker can sometimes be connected to the main outboard using a steering tie bar or compatible steering integration system.

This allows both engines to turn together, making it possible to steer the boat from the helm while using the kicker for propulsion.

Other installations use independent tiller steering.

The right setup depends on how you fish. If you frequently troll alone, being able to control the kicker from the helm may be much more convenient than constantly moving between the console and transom.

Does Propeller Selection Matter on a Kicker Motor?

Absolutely.

Unlike your primary outboard, where propeller selection often involves balancing acceleration, cruising performance, and wide-open-throttle RPM, a kicker is primarily concerned with low-speed control and thrust.

The correct propeller needs to match the engine and boat's load. A poorly matched prop can affect how effectively the kicker moves the boat, particularly in wind or current.

Mercury's ProKicker engines are designed around these low-speed applications, but proper engine and propeller selection still matter.

For a deeper explanation of how propeller design affects performance, visit our Propeller Selection & Education Center.

What Should You Check Before Installing a ProKicker?

Adding a second outboard involves more than finding space on the transom.

A few important considerations include:

• Transom weight: The additional engine, bracket, and rigging add weight to the stern.

• Shaft length: The propeller needs to remain properly submerged during operation, including in choppy conditions.

• Steering clearance: Both engines must be able to turn and tilt without contacting each other.

• Fuel and electrical connections: Some installations can share existing systems, while others require additional components.

• Mounting height: Incorrect positioning can lead to ventilation, excessive drag, or difficulty operating in rough water.

These details are especially important when retrofitting a kicker onto a boat that wasn't originally designed for one.

Is a Mercury ProKicker Worth It?

For anglers who spend most of their time casting along shorelines or fishing shallow flats, an electric trolling motor may be the more practical choice.

But if your fishing involves covering long distances at controlled speeds, a gasoline-powered kicker can offer longer operating time without depending on trolling-motor battery capacity.

A ProKicker can also provide limited backup propulsion if your primary engine becomes inoperable, although it shouldn't be considered a replacement for proper emergency equipment.

Ultimately, it's about matching the equipment to how you actually use your boat.

Explore Mercury ProKicker Outboards

Interested in adding a kicker motor to your fishing setup? Visit our Mercury ProKicker & FourStroke Trolling Engines page to explore available options and learn more about choosing the right engine.

Gregor's Marine can help with engine selection, mounting considerations, steering integration, and installation. Contact our team at (727) 596-5929 to discuss your boat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a kicker motor be used in saltwater?

Yes. Mercury ProKicker outboards can be used in saltwater when properly maintained. Freshwater flushing, corrosion protection, and routine inspection are especially important.

Will a ProKicker charge my boat's battery while trolling?

Some ProKicker configurations include an alternator or charging system capable of supplying electrical power while the engine runs. Actual charging output depends on the model and engine speed, so it shouldn't automatically be treated as a replacement for a dedicated battery charging system.

Can you use a kicker motor on a boat with twin outboards?

Potentially, but transom space, weight capacity, steering clearance, and mounting arrangements become more complicated. The installation needs to be evaluated for the specific boat.

Does a kicker motor need its own fuel tank?

Not always. Some installations can use the boat's existing fuel tank with properly configured fuel plumbing. Others may use a separate tank, depending on the engine and boat setup.