Tiller or remote control? The remote kicker running it from the helm is great. If using a tiller pro kicker keep what you have.

 

Reason for my switch to a new kicker quite a few years ago was the electric start, power trim/tilt. The only reason.

 

I got that same kicker same year. Trolls all day long without a hiccup. I would not spend 3k to replace mine. Unless you got too much money.

 

I too have a 1999 Merc 9.9 4 Stroke pull start tiller that I bought used. Added alternator to charge battery when trolling for < $100. Looking at adding a starter for < $100. Tied into main motor for big lake trolling or can disconnect to use tiller for handlining. Easy to maintain, easy start and trolls all day on very little gas. The new ones are nice but for me the $'s to upgrade would be better used on other stuff.

 

If a Suzuki would work. I have a buddy that has a 2013 9.9 25inch shaft, electric start, tiller with tilt and trim. Maybe 10 hours on it. Still under warranty till June of 16. Got sick and sold the boat but the new owner didn't want the 9.9. 1800.00 would most likely take it.

Dwayne

 

Pretty sure all small Merc 4-strokes are Yamahas anyway. They run forever and I think you can add electric start. $3200 is lot for no better performance unles it has some kind of remote steering. I just have EZ steer from the main and it works like a charm.

 

Small mercurys are made by Nissan/ toahutsu

 

I think up to 25hp the Mercurys are made by Tohatsu. You could probably save about a grand by just buying one of those and some Mercury decals on Feebay.

I was in the market and seriously looking at a new Mercury 15hp Pro Kicker with controls last year. Cash in hand, probably over $4k purchase. After getting put on indefinite hold by 2 different semi-local Mercury dealers I threw in the towel and bought a lightly used 2006 9.9hp high thrust Yamaha for $1800 (with electric start and controls). I couldn't be happier with the Yamaha.

 

I have a 2001 9.9 Merc 4 stroke and added the electric start this spring for a little less than $800 (needed fly wheel kit also). was going to upgrade like you but used the $1800 as a down payment on the 12 inch HDS gen 2 instead, still have to manually lift though, but I can live with that.

 

If a Suzuki would work. I have a buddy that has a 2013 9.9 25inch shaft, electric start, tiller with tilt and trim. Maybe 10 hours on it. Still under warranty till June of 16. Got sick and sold the boat but the new owner didn't want the 9.9. 1800.00 would most likely take it.



Dwayne

Would like some for info on the Suzuki if you have it interested in the motor

 

99 mercy power heads were made by Yamaha.

 

I would just use a Minn Kota 80 bow mount electric. I see no need for a kicker.

 

keith 207, sounds like the year must make a difference. My Mercrury 9.9 is made by Yamaha. I have used Yamaha parts on it and when I bought it at Krupas and the guy said they are made by Yamaha. Now that was a while ago. Not sure the year.

 

I was out on Sunday, water was good. Using Minn Kota 80 @ 1.2-1.4 mph. Got about 3 1/2 hrs of run time. I don't think trolling motor going to get the job done.