?'s regarding Garelick Adjustable Mount on '87 18' SS for short shaft kicker

[olympic]

I'm trying to get my 1987 Starcraft 18' SS more prepared for bay excursions and one of the items on my list is adding a kicker motor. I picked up a used garelick adjustable mount along with the adapter plate (which allows for removal of the mount when not in use - just the mount plate stays on the boat). In addition a family member is giving me their '68 6hp Johnson Short Shaft to use.

To use that adapter plate it needs to be installed low enough on the transom that the garelick mount can press flat to the transom and slide down it to clear that top cap that lips over the back of the transom. That does not appear that it will be an issue since I have to mount pretty low to accommodate the short shaft.

I did some measuring and planning today and if I mount the adapter plate on the transom such that it is just inside of the transom eye, and the bottom of the adapter plate is pretty close to the bottom of the transom eye, it looks like I can use the short shaft as that puts the cavitation plate on the short shaft at about the bottom of the boat, maybe an inch under.

Some concerns that I'm hoping someone with more experience can address:
1) Any issue bolting right next to the transom eye? I may have to fabricate a backer plate because the fender washer behind the transom eye on the inside will be in the path of one of the bolt holes for the adapter plate. I'm assuming I could add a 1/4" plywood backer instead.
2) For the backer if I use wood, will standard plywood be okay or does it need to be marine grade?
3) Any concerns with mounting the adapter plate so low on the transom? I've tried to find pics and most are mounted higher but perhaps that is because they don't use the adapter plate (their adjustable garelick mount is permanently attached) or maybe they are using long shafts?
4) I held up the kicker where it would be mounted and turned the steering such it and the big outboard were in opposite directions so that I could check minimum clearance. It is tight, with just an inch at the extreme opposite directions. Concerns with that? My goal is to set up some type of steering (such as EZ-Steer) which would help with this. Open to recommendations on steering. Would be great to get one that I can attach before going out with the kicker still in the up position if possible.
5) I have some 4200 from another project. Is that okay for the bolt holes and if so, best to squirt in the holes before bolting through, or better to put on the bolt threads themselves, or both?

Ideally I would have liked to have a bit more clearance/distance between the main 110HP Johnson OB and the Kicker, but unless I move the transom eye I'm pretty much stuck with that location to accommodate a short shaft. I use the transom eyes for tie down and for pulling my kids on tubes so hesitant to move it, plus I am not a fan of having to fill holes in the transom.

The other issue I will have to contend with is that the kicker is a two stroke. My main is also two stroke but I am still using the VRO Oil Injection system so my fuel is not pre-mixed. I know I could consider disabling the oil injection to go to pre-mix so that I could use the main tank for both motors. My water separator I believe has two output ports so should be easy to tap in there for the kicker.

If anyone has pics of their kicker motors on their Starcraft SS (or similar) transoms that would be great. Thanks!

 

[laurentide]

I have a long shaft 4 stroke on a fixed bracket:

I did have a vintage short shaft on an adjustable bracket like what you want to do. Aside from needing a separate straight gas tank, my current setup is 10000 times better. All the adjustables advise against trailering with the motor on it, and they move all over the place when under way on the water. The 4s is very smooth and quiet compared to my old twin 2s. It's a night and day difference if you do a lot of trolling.

But, since you already have the stuff to use, here's where my old bracket was mounted:

I used 5200 to seal up the bolts, and I used the biggest SS fender washers I could find as backers. Be careful not to compress the transom wood. You'll need a separate pre mix tank, too. Under a seat or splashwell?

 

[olympic]

Thanks chemicalwire for the reply and the pics. Your transom is cut wider than mine but your bracket placement is similar to what I'm looking to have to do and that pic really helps.

I know a 4 stroke would be ideal being much quieter and I could tap into my tank which is straight gas (due to the fact I'm still using the oil injection), but as you mentioned I already have the 2 stroke so will start with that to keep the admiral happy. I may consider moving to all pre-mix in the main tank and run both OBs of it...otherwise will have to lug around a portable tank for the trolling motor.

I picked up some SS fender washers yesterday. They are only a couple inches in diameter, biggest I could find at the box store here locally. I may fabricate something to give it a bit more rigidity.

I know 5200 is probably the best to seal up the holes...just have some 4200 here so will research and see if that should work or if I need to get some 5200.

Thanks again!

 

[redneck joe]

4200 will be fine

 

[olympic]

4200 will be fine

Thanks Joe!

I also picked up a 1' x 1' piece of 1/4" aluminum that I will use for a backing plate. Yes aluminum might corrode over time but I figure I'll paint it to hopefully slow down any potential corrosion and it should last a number of years.