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I have used many different kicker engines and found them all to be relatively the same, give or take a mph or two. The key to a kicker is in the prop. The wider, flatter blades will offer the most thrust.

Any reason you have selected the Merc 3.5? If you already own one, then hang it off the back and try it out. The only problem I would see with that little motor is it has a small prop and the thrust won't be that great.