If you're rigging a kicker motor for salmon trolling, the two motors you're choosing between are the Yamaha T9.9 and the Yamaha T25. Both are high-thrust T-series motors purpose-built for low-speed trolling and kicker applications. They are not interchangeable — the right choice depends on your boat, your main motor, and how you fish.
This article covers the key differences and tells you exactly which one to buy based on your setup.
What They Have in Common
Both the T9.9 and T25 are Yamaha's high-thrust variants — motors engineered specifically for controlled low-speed performance rather than getting a boat on plane. Both feature a larger gear case and lower gear ratio than the equivalent F-series motors, which produces significantly more thrust at trolling speeds.
Neither the T9.9 nor the T25 is a repurposed standard outboard. They are purpose-built for this application, and it shows in how they handle at slow speeds in tidal current.
Both are available in long shaft (20") and extra-long shaft (25") configurations. Both come with electric start options. Both ship freight to any province in Canada with full Yamaha factory warranty.
The Key Differences
Horsepower: The T9.9 is rated at 9.9hp. The T25 is rated at 25hp. That's a meaningful thrust difference at trolling speeds — the T25 produces considerably more low-end grunt, which matters when you're fighting tidal current on a larger, heavier boat.
HP restrictions: The T9.9 meets the 10hp or under restriction enforced on many BC provincial park lakes and regulated coastal trolling areas. The T25 does not — at 25hp it exceeds the 10hp threshold. If you fish regulated waters with an HP restriction, the T9.9 is the only option of the two.
Hull size it suits: The T9.9 is the correct kicker for salmon boats up to approximately 20–21 feet. The T25 is the correct kicker for larger boats in the 20–26 foot range, particularly heavier or more heavily loaded hulls where the T9.9 will work but will be working harder than it should.
Main motor size: If your main motor is in the 90–115hp range on a 17–20 foot boat, the T9.9 is correctly sized as your kicker. If your main motor is 150hp or larger on a 20–26 foot platform, the T25 is the correct kicker spec.
Starting configuration: The T9.9 is available in manual start, electric start, and electric start with manual backup. The T25 comes with electric start plus manual backup standard — at 25hp, electric start is the only practical option.
The Decision Framework
Ask yourself two questions:
1. Does your water have a 10hp or under restriction? If yes — T9.9. End of discussion.
2. What size is your main motor and boat?
- Main motor under 150hp, boat under 21 feet — T9.9
- Main motor 150hp or larger, boat 20–26 feet — T25
- If you're on the line between the two (say, a 20-foot boat with a 150hp main), the T25 gives you more authority and is the better long-term investment
Can I Use a Standard F9.9 or F25 Instead?
No — not for dedicated kicker and trolling use. The F9.9 and F25 are standard outboards optimized for getting a small boat on plane and running efficiently at speed. At trolling speeds they lack the low-end thrust and speed control that the T-series delivers. For casual use on calm water they'll work, but for serious salmon trolling in BC tidal current, the T-series is the correct tool.
Shaft Length
Both motors are available in 20" and 25" shaft lengths. For most kicker setups on BC salmon boats, the 20" long shaft is the correct specification. If your motor is bracket-mounted on a raised transom, measure your bracket height before ordering — a 25" extra-long shaft may be required.
Not sure which is right for your specific setup? Request a quote and tell us your boat length, main motor horsepower, and where you fish. We'll confirm the right kicker spec before you order. Both motors ship freight Canada-wide with full Yamaha factory warranty. We can finance any Yamaha outboard we list online — from the F2.5 through the F350 — O.A.C. Ask about payment options when you request your quote.