Safety of towing with kicker motor

[G5Man]

Hi everyone.

I'm very new to boating and have a question about safely towing my boat with the kicker motor attached to the adjustable kicker plate. I have attached a picture so you can see what I mean.



So is it safe for me to tow with this kicker tightly screwed onto this plate?

The plate seems to be securely attached to the transom.

Any input would be helpful. Thank you.

Jason

 

[Jetwash]

Re: Safety of towing with kicker motor

Not like that. I have no hands on experience with those brackets. But its 100pound motor and they do bounce around. What did the previous owner do?

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: Safety of towing with kicker motor

Is the 9.9 bolted thru the kicker bracket? If not. NO. also the motor should be in the down position. locked so it won.t bounce up when hitting a bump.

 

[G5Man]

Re: Safety of towing with kicker motor

Hi thank you for the replies so far.

The kicker plate is bolted with 4 bolts through the transom. However the 9 is attached only with the a hand tightened vice sort of contraption. My guess is the best option is just to keep the 9 in the boat.

I have seen many boats with both motors being towed...but those looked to be more permanently installed.

I think I'll take the cautious route and just put the 9 on before launch.

Thank you so much for your help.

Jason

 

[JimS123]

Re: Safety of towing with kicker motor

My 9.9 kicker is installed on an OMC bracket with the gas cylinder. First of all, I never tilt the motor up, whether on the water or on the highway. Secondly, I use a bungie cord to keep it from swinging side to side. Thirdly, I keep her in reverse, so she won't bounce up. Finally, I drilled the board and used two 3/8" SS screws to fasten the motor to the bracket. The motor was already fitted for bolting.

I would NEVER trail without the motor on the bracket - its too much trouble to put it in the trunk of the car, retreive it, etc.

Personally, i think the OMC bracket is best ever built. Beats any of the competitors to shame. Sadly, they don't make them any more.

I DID have a problem with the bushings wearing thru the aluminum holes, causing it to eventually start to bounce a bit. Luckily, I found a brand new OS model on EBay and replaced it just last year. Funny thing, the replacemenmt model cost me three times what the original cost...LOL. But, it was a bargain at any price.

Oh, did I say that the first unit lasted 26 years! I'm now on the 2nd year of the replacement and so far its tight as a drum.

 

[elkhunter338]

Re: Safety of towing with kicker motor

I had a bracket like that. Lock the motor in the down position. I use two separate rachet straps and a rope to tie that motor secure.
I still travel like that but got a beefier motor bracket.
Do not like other have mentioned travel with the motor up like that.
In the water I still boat with my motor locked down and 1 strap supporting the motor

 

[BatDaddy1887]

Re: Safety of towing with kicker motor

All good responses. For an added measure of safety, I use this cable strap/lock with mine (see photo).

100_3320.JPG

 

[Borgey401]

Re: Safety of towing with kicker motor

Not to post anything off topic but to the OP that's a sweet little setup you got there. I like it A LOT! I love those old Johnsons!!!!!