ThrustMe Kicker (Ooooer!)

[harrison]

Popped this mini revue on t’other channel a few weeks back and as quiet here thought perhaps worth a post.

A recent trip to Boatworld for a few odds ‘n’ sods saw me coming away with a super light, and super expensive, ThrustMe Kicker electric outboard. Bleedin expensive trip for a new bridle and tow rope that was!

Not expecting much to be honest but couldn’t resist giving one a try as a carry aboard get me home motor.

Ridiculously light at 4.5 kilos all in, smallest prop in the world (submarine tech allegedly) and designed by some trendy young Norse Men. What could possibly go wrong!!

Went for a river run soon after in our 3.4m Ocean Runner mini rib so an ideal opportunity to try the tiny ‘Kicker’ trolling motor. For info the boat, main outboard, bit of kit, fuel and helm etc. about 260kg running weight.

The little motor has six available power levels in both forward and reverse all controlled by a wireless fob. Level 1 just got us making headway upstream and level 6 a heady 4 to 5 mph. Found running on level 3 pushed us along at just over 3mph (SOG) upstream with the main still down, and battery lasted a good hour…so battery life probably all as claimed in the manual. The claimed 2.5hrs on level one and 30mins at level six seems achievable, and in all fairness did exactly what is stated on the tin.

Limited run time of the built in battery precludes this for most as the primary motor. Light and very compact there should be room on most sibs to fit this next to the main and might even be an option for those fishing, with deep pockets, as a trolling motor.

Got this really to carry on the Elling, not the little rib, potentially as a get me home mini aux. motor which, at only 4.5kg, can live in its padded carry bag on the deck until needed. Not yet tested on, but expect very slightly more speed on the lightweight and efficient hull of the Elling.

Now for the disclaimer. Not for or relying on this to get me home or to safety in adverse weather/sea conditions. At best it just might save me a couple of miles rowing…..anyone tried rowing a sib for any distance.

It’s also ridiculously overpriced…like most trendy electro eco products. Definitely a toy for those with more money than sense.

[Simon]

Whats the AH (amp hour) of the battery ? and the thrust (lbs) ?
Can you hook it to another battery ?

[harrison]

Not very powerful to be honest.

Thrust 16kg or 35lbs

Built in battery only 259Wh 18V so approx 14.4Ah

Evidently there is a 28.6Ah external battery available. No idea on costs but expect extortionate.

If I was after longer run times then would probably look at making up an 18V battery pack from cheap Li-ion cells, or perhaps an even easier option would be to get a few cheap clone 9Ah 18V power tool batteries plus cable connector etc. off eBay. Would need to keep all this lot dry in a waterproof case though.

What could possibly go wrong!

[Land And Sea]

You’ve done well to grab that motor Harrison as stock is low atm.
There is an external battery option, not quite sure on cost yet as new supplier stock is due shortly
Forum supporting members would save approx 10% on RRP

[grommet]

Thanks for the useful review. I am about to buy a tender for my boat and this looks like a great idea as it can easily be stowed in the lazarette. I do need something light but I am a bit concerned about the power, especially against a strong tide. Run time seems fine for my needs which would be getting 2 to 4 people ashore over a few hundred meters in a 2.3 or 2.6 meter air deck inflatable. I cant help feeling I might need more power (to keep things light I am thinking of a 2HP 2-stroke). Ive just come from my local Force4 who have a kicker in stock, but the branch has only sold one unit and had no feedback. I am sure they would sell a lot more of them if they offered a try before you buy scheme.

[harrison]

Not sure I’d recommend one of these as the main motor with up to four on board, especially against a strong tide.

Agree, a tiny two stroke will be the lightest option or if after new then I’d be considering the little four stroke Suzuki 2.5 or air cooled (no flushing) Honda 2.3, both coming in at a very respectable 13kg. Much cheaper than any of the electric offerings as well.

PS: Kicker update. The little Kicker got me back to shore recently when our one year old ‘holy grail’ two stroke decided to expire about a mile out. Luckily hardly any breeze so no bother for the little kicker…saved me a long row so for that I’m very grateful.

[harrison]

Since the little Kicker did sterling service a few weeks ago getting both me and the Elling safely back after the main decided to expire a mile or so out…saved me a seriously long row back…so thought a quick motor update in order.

First off, plenty of room on the narrow Elling transom for the super slim kicker next to the main with one transom wheel removed and stowed aboard. Also being so light and compact no problem simply storing on deck in its padded bag and mounting on transom at sea as and when required.

Easy enough to control with 6 forward and 6 reverse speeds plus stop via a three button wireless fob which can be attached to wrist or motor, the latter for me. Perhaps overly complicated, but other versions of this motor are available for kayaks/paddle boards or even bow mounted trolling motor’s where remote operation a given.

Performance wise don’t expect anything thrilling, as at best it’s only a trolling motor.
We recorded the following speeds via gps on the Elling KB350 one up plus kit, going against tide (negligible flow) and into a gentle 8/10mph headwind.

Level 1…2mph - claimed run time 2.5hrs
Level 2…3mph - claimed run time 2hrs
Level 3/4…4mph - claimed run time 1.5/1hr
Level 5/6…5mph - claimed run time 45/30min

Have found the claimed run times achievable after a couple or three charges so confident we can rely on a solid 1.5 hours at a mix of levels 2 and 3 which seems a sensible compromise re. speed versus battery life.

I accept this is a get you home motor only in favourable conditions and limited distance. For many, myself included, in a tiny sib there is no practical option to carry even the lightest 13kg, or even room on the transom, for a 2.5hp petrol motor. So working on the assumption anything is better than nothing, it sort of makes sense.

It ain’t ideal with such limited power and run time, but my initial view has changed from an expensive toy, to an additional piece of safety kit worthy of the minimal deck space and weight to carry aboard just in case.

At the very least it could save you you a long row back.

[slka]

I appreciate the insightful critique. This looks like a wonderful option for my upcoming tender purchase because it can be conveniently stored in the lazarette. I certainly require something lightweight, but I am a little worried about the power, particularly in the face of a strong tidal. Run duration seemed adequate for my needs, which include bringing 2 to 4 people ashore over a short distance in an inflatable air deck of 2.3 or 2.6 metres. I can't help but believe I could use more strength (to keep things light I am thinking of a 2HP 2-stroke). I just got back from my local Force4 branch, which has a kicker on inventory but only sold one and received no response.I have added a lot of money to buy such a boat.

[harrison]

Interesting post above.

Bit of a deja vu moment from @grommet post back in August.

Thanks for the useful review. I am about to buy a tender for my boat and this looks like a great idea as it can easily be stowed in the lazarette. I do need something light but I am a bit concerned about the power, especially against a strong tide. Run time seems fine for my needs which would be getting 2 to 4 people ashore over a few hundred meters in a 2.3 or 2.6 meter air deck inflatable. I cant help feeling I might need more power (to keep things light I am thinking of a 2HP 2-stroke). Ive just come from my local Force4 who have a kicker in stock, but the branch has only sold one unit and had no feedback. I am sure they would sell a lot more of them if they offered a try before you buy scheme.

[Martin]

Periscopes up !