Kicker Moter And Side Curtains

[fishmaster190]

Hi folks. New to the forum. Thrilled to find a starcraft forum. I have a 1996 fishmaster 190 and am in the process to set it up for salmon and walleye trolling. I want to hang a yamaha T8 on the back for a kicker. The boat came used with a transom bracket on it. I know its not rated for a four stroker. So, I want to loose the bracket and mount the kicker directly to the stepped up portion of the transom. I'm thinking I need a extra long shaft 25 inch. Measured distance is in the 24 inch range at this location. Anyone out there with this set-up? Also, is there anywhere I can purchase the factory side curtains for the top? or would I have to have those custom made? Thanks.

 

[wvmedic]

Re: Kicker Moter And Side Curtains

Fishmaster, understand I am no pro. I have however did some reading about kicker motor installs, from what I have read and come to understand you won?t necessarily need a 25? shaft. There are some formulas about set back and the height of you?re outboard, one other thing to remember is you will not be running at WOT like you?re main motor so there might be enough circulation around the foot for cooling.

Basically at planning speed the boat is the farthest out of the water at that time, so the cooling water intake needs to be deep enough to allow it to draw water. When slow trolling with the kicker you will have little lift, so should have good water flow to the intake on the foot.

Jeff.

 

[Kainon]

Re: Kicker Moter And Side Curtains

Welcome !! You may find that OEM Curtins won't be available or they would be more expensive than having a local marine upholsterer make them for you. There are a couple different materials out there you may want to do some googleing google.com and see whats right for your budget.