Question about adding a "kicker"...

[emoney]

Ok, first of all, this is a very poor picture I'm including after my question, it's dark and
the boat's in the garage.

Anywho,.....I have two boats. One is a sailboat, and the other an older Glassmaster 19'.
The pwrboat has an Evinrude 140 on the back, and the SB has a Nissan 5hp 4stroke that
I put on the boat when we use it, as we're concerned about someone "borrowing it". So,
since the "PB" has an older engine, I had this marvelous idea today of using my Nissan as
a kicker, when we go out. My question is, how much room does there need to be to
just mount it on the transom. Or, am I going to need to buy a Gaelick bracket? For the
record, I really, really don't want to buy and install the bracket, but
I'll get a better pic tomorrow when it's daylight if this one isn't any help, but here it is;

 

[emoney]

Re: Question about adding a "kicker"...

BTW, that pic is really horrible and it makes it look like there's no room left on the transom, but the little motor will definitely
mount there, I'm just wondering is there a rule of thumb when it comes to leaving clearance for the big motor? I guess I
basically need some confirmation (I was always this way as a kid)

 

[crb478]

Re: Question about adding a "kicker"...

If there is room on the bracket you can just mount it up, but make sure that the big motor can turn fully with the kicker mounted. If not you will need a bracket. In your pictures the transom area looks a little tight, but id won't cost anything to try it.

 

[emoney]

Re: Question about adding a "kicker"...

That's kinda what I thought. I figure I'll turn the motor all the way to the right and
see what kind of room is there. If I have to, I'll put a bracket on there (much to my chagrin
since the cheapest I've found is around $80.00). On the same topic, if you're running
the kicker, can a person still comfortably steer with the main, leaving the kicker in a
locked forward position? I have about 1/2 mile of channel to get out and figure it's much
less fuel using the kicker to get out, since it's "Idle Speed Only".

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Question about adding a "kicker"...

http://users.sisqtel.net/jkriz/Outrage/Kicker/ shows a kicker installation on the transom without a bracket.

 

[PuddleJumper]

Re: Question about adding a "kicker"...

My father in law had a 16 ft Glassmaster with a 60 hp main motor and a 3 horse kicker next to it without a problem.

 

[emoney]

Re: Question about adding a "kicker"...

Well, I just did some checking and this V4 beast takes up way too much room when sitting next to the top heavy
4 stroke Nissan. Soooooooo, I suppose it's kicker bracket installation time. I actually picked up an almost new
Garelick fixed bracket today for $25.00 so now I just need to locate the spot and drill some holes I guess. Anyone
want to weigh in on what size bolts I should use through the transom? My thoughts were 3/8" stainless, 2 1/2 " long,
but I'm open to suggestions. Also, for this weekend I plan to use some teak inside as the back plate, but what's
the recommended material for the permanent install? Where does one source a piece of aluminum in a flat blank?

 

[etracer68]

Re: Question about adding a "kicker"...

See if there are any fab or machine shops in your area for the alum plate. I used 1/4 thick for my install. Teak is a hardwood, and could crack, or split. I also would use at least 4, 5/16 to 3/8 per side of mount. I have an adjustable up/down-spring loaded wide mount. Four strokes are heavy. Make sure also that you can raise the motor high enough to be completely out of the water while your using the main motor.