Kicker motor mounting

[Maj92az]

I have a 50hp main motor and a transom that almost will only accept that motor, not two. My boat from PO had a evinrude auxiliary motor bracket mounted on the far port side. I finally got my 5hp on and it does not reach water deep enough...i can move it a few holes doen. Then...my light 2 stroke 5hp must of been too heavy...cracks appeared in the bracket.

long story short..need a new bracket. And a good place to mount it.. if I use holes 6" lower, then when I raise, it'll store 6" higher... it will then it's skimming the water at 25mph. Manual tilting is tough and awkward because it will sit 2 ft behind where you can stand. Can anyone reccomend a long travel bracket and suggestions on how to ease manual tilt for storage when I use my kicker

https://ibb.co/QDtWsCB here's a pic of my boat before I found crack in bracket and removed the motor and bracket.

 

[JimS123]

Tough proposition. Some boats are just not built to accept a kicker.

First of all your existing bracket is absolutely the best bracket that was ever made. I have used 2 of them. Yours is mounted too high. In the "up" position the very bottom of the skeg needs to be "just" above the boat bottom.

Based on your picture it looks to me that the transom is wide enough to accept both motors. Mount in as far port as possible. As long as the main can turn all the way you should be good to go. But obviously, I can't say for sure because its only a picture.

The best brackets today are Garelick. They make a size to fit any motor.

When using a retractable bracket, the motor needs to be vertical in the up position. If you tilted it up, that's why you broke the bracket.

Brackets stick out the back. Having to stretch to reach the motor is a fact of life.

 

[Maj92az]

I actually never tilted the motor on the bracket prior to me finding the crack in one of the arms that spread acriss the wood on the mini transom. I only Drive 2 miles and maybe a few miles on the lake on its first use by me. It must of been stresed?? 20+ years old??

anyways. So I did some experiments. C clamped the old bracket to the center and lightly installed the kicker. All parts are free and clear. My picture only shows my motor tilted up. But I wouldn't mind figuring out a way to install there. But here's the kicker ...pun intended.

Assuming a new bracket is similar design...and I attach there by the engine...(in my new picture) in its high position puts it in a good spot in the water...so how do I store it for travel both for trailer and main engine use?? Unless I locate a way to only tilt it...but now it's not as ergonomic to tilt vs use the fancy spring loaded bracket...maybe I need a whole new bracket than the standard swing one if I put in center.

now...of course, could install bracket on the port side but a tad lower. ...hmm then comes price lol

https://ibb.co/Yk11qwZ

 

[JimS123]

If you can mount it there on a bracket, you can mount it directly on the transom with no bracket needed.

If its mounted on a bracket, always leave the motor in the down position. Use the bracket to raise and lower it. Never tilt the motor on a bracket, and always remove the motor and put it in the car when you are on the highway.

If mounted directly on the transom, it can stay there all the time. Just add bolts. When not in use tilt the motor up.

 

[Maj92az]

There's possibly an interference between the clamp on the kicker and the main steering bar if I were to attach directly to the transom. The bracket allows to have only the head of the bolts there (out of the way) vs the clamp and the casted bracket of the kicker. But I'll look again.....

new problem...my kicker seems to have lost it's ability to lock in tilt. That's a whole new post for the evinrude page.
Maybe going far port side is my easier option....can the skeg skim the water while its rised up? Or does it need to be not touching at all.

 

[JimS123]

Since the tiller handle is always angled to port, my personal preference is to always mount the kicker on the starboard side. It makes steering it a lot easier. All you should have over there is the cable, not the bracket that attaches to the motor.

I have had kickers where even the prop dragged a bit in the water when at no-wake speed and have never had a problem. But when you're up on plane nothing better touch the water.

 

[Maj92az]

My kicker will be used often for trolling. It will need the ability to move high up out of the water.

Now I will include a few pictures but I confirmed, with JUST the kicker on the port side of transom it will not work...but is there such thing as a transom extension? I once again clamped just a piece of 2x6 to the transom and I have full movement from both the main and kicker. In my picture you'll see c clamps but it could just be bolt heads. And if I find one long enough I can bolt further down the transom for further support. I recall panther offeeing just the plastic/composite transom to buy....

reminder--- my set up is just for experimental purpose only. But if I'm on right track and not stressing my transom too much I might be onto something ..

https://ibb.co/vzQzjWV


https://ibb.co/xF2v8mC

 

[JimS123]

That'll work. I use Panthers and they are great, but for your application you need a LONG mount for strength.

A 2x6 Douglas Fir or Oak, sealed and varnished is good. Mount it so that the top is as low as it can be without interference. I would want to see at least 6 bolts thru the transom, and of course sealed very well.

When you have it mounted the prop must at least be below the boat bottom. Don't worry about where the AV plate is - you won't plane the boat.

When not in use, simply tilt the motor up, using a tilt lock as we talked about in your other thread. Bolt the motor to the wood. You shouldn't need to take it off on the highway, just keep it down.

 

[Maj92az]

Awesome. Yeah If wood After All is my main transom.. wood for this should work. I'll find some hardwood as a 2x6 sealed. I'll keep it long. Maybe a foot down. I'll try to keep it above the water line though. Ill fit 6 stainless bolts, large washers, and Sealed holes. I was able to get another 2" down and still could steer fully. That should keep it close. My goal is to go 1.5-2.5mph. I was able to get 5mph when I did my test run the other day before I cracked up lol.

if I move further port, i have a scupper drain. .I wonder if I should not cover it, or drill a hole in my 2x6 (sealed inside). I rarely have water back there. Also my main transom cap has a tiny lip...ill probably router that a minimal as possible so it will still sit flush.
if there are any other strengthening ideas...let me know. Sorry for rambling in the beginning. I just had so many loose ends. Think we're onto something. I'll share my results in a few days....