What is proper mounting of kicker motor vs. hull depth?

[Afinelli]

I'd like to get rid of the adjustable, external engine bracket that my 6HP Evinrude kicker motor (1996 E6RLEDS) is mounted on, and mount the motor directly on the starboard side of the transom of my 17' Boston Whaler (1967 Sakonnet -- predecessor to the Montauk). What I want to know is what determines whether I have enought shaft length on the motor to do this. Is it ok if just the prop and water intake will be below the water line when the motor is used? Must both be below the hull at the point at which the motor is mounted? Must they be below the lowest point of the hull at the center of the boat? Is there some other determining factor? Thanks for the help.

 

[roscoe]

Re: What is proper mounting of kicker motor vs. hull depth?

Best to have the prop below the hull at the point at which the motor is mounted.<br /><br />If not, you will max out at approx 1.5 - 2mph when the prop starts to ventilate, and you will have no thrust to manuver the boat.

 

[Afinelli]

Re: What is proper mounting of kicker motor vs. hull depth?

Roscoe:<br />Thanks for the tip.

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: What is proper mounting of kicker motor vs. hull depth?

Second what Roscoe said - just recently experienced this with my kicker. When the boat is not on plane (e.g. being pushed with the kicker), the kicker is plenty deep enough to run - it is well below the cavitation plate. However, unless the prop is actually below the hull, it will hardly run without ventilating. If I drop it down below the hull - it looks waaay too deep, but runs very well and pushes very nicely.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: What is proper mounting of kicker motor vs. hull depth?

You want it as low as you can go, so the prop will still bite when the boat experiences swells, but you also need it to be able to be tilted up sufficiently so the prop does not drag while the boat is planing. Good luck...