Kicker installation- Which side of transom?

[conteco]

My boat looks like the kicker (9.9 hp 4 stroke) would install a lot easier on the starboard side of the transom. However, the boats that I see with kickers have them on the port side of the primary engine. Does it matter?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Kicker installation- Which side of transom?

balance of the boat, and load is what counts. 9.9 4 stroke off center is a good bit of weight. it does not matter which side, but unless you want to run lopsided, you have to balance the load.

 

[crb478]

Re: Kicker installation- Which side of transom?

You can mount it on either side, but as TD stated you will need to try to keep the boat balanced. My boat,CC, has some prop torque issues so mounting a kicker on the starboard will help my situation. If you drive your boat from the starboard side it may help to put the kicker on the port side. I would use the screw clamps to mount it temporarily to each side of the transom to see how the weight effects the boat.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Kicker installation- Which side of transom?

It will depend on how you plan to steer the kicker. If it's a tiller steer, you will almost need to install it on the port side. Most people would tend to steer with their left hand which places their body to the right (starboard). Placing the engine there would mean you would need to sit almost on the gunnel to operate the motor. If you tie the kicker to the main motor for steering it would make no difference but the linkages for that purpose are primarily designed for port-side installation.

 

[CatTwentyTwo]

Re: Kicker installation- Which side of transom?

I put my kicker on the port side for balancing as td mentioned because my dual batteries are mounted on the starboard side. I use the tie rod between the motors and steer from the wheel which is very convenient.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Kicker installation- Which side of transom?

Ditto what ryoung said. Both my batteries are to starboard, so I mounted motor ( 15 hp 4-stroke) to port. That balanced the weight, which should bne your prime consideration unless you have torque issues to resolve.

Also highly recommend some sort of tie bar. I haven't done it yet, and steering from the tiller is a PITA.

 

[gss036]

Re: Kicker installation- Which side of transom?

What kind/brand size of boat are you talking about?
I use a Troll-ezz to steer my kicker, that way I am free to move around the boat. Some people like them, others do not so you eed to figure out what it is that you want/like.
I saw a gouy and his wife yesterday w/a 21 ft something, but he had a bracket on the boat and had to straddle the transom to steer the boat with the kicker, very inconvient and probably not that safe.
If you have room, consider installing it on the transon, next to the main motor, but then again that depends on how you use the motor. Like the others said, mount it temporarly until you figure out what works for you.

 

[DJ]

Re: Kicker installation- Which side of transom?

There are a lot of things to consider.

1. Weight distribution.

2. What side is the tiller handle located on?

3. What side is the fuel connection on?

4. Are there any obstructions, in the boat, on either side?

Every set up is different. Use the four items above to weigh your decision.