MajBach
Chief Petty Officer
- Joined
- Jun 21, 2003
- Messages
- 564
Re: I too require subjective advice on mounting a kicker to my boat.
Yet more good advice to consider.
After my last post regarding leaning toward Minn Kota engine mount electrics, I did some more homework and am now reconsidering. I have two batteries on board, both big and deep cycle (series 27?) but I didn't consider recharging options until someone on a different thread here said hooking the two in series prohibits them from being recharged via the alternator on board. I'll need to mull that over as Im not sure I completely agree. I have room for a third battery too if necessary - one I could isolate from the pair and dedicate to engine and ancillary.
Further, I'd like to read someone who has had this set up on a heavy boat. I think 165 lbs would be decent thrust on a boat like mine; say equivalent to 6hp. I'll also need to crunch the numbers more to see how quickly they will drain the batteries as I know if I were to mount a pair onto the leg, I would use them for more than just emergencies.
So, needless to say Im faced with a head scratcher. And now that someone here with far more boating experience than me agrees I am a rare case where aux propulsion is wise, I'm dead set on getting it.
Ironically, shortly after posting the above replies, I walk into my local hardware store and come across this:
http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o516/MajBach/photo_zps4f34494b.jpg
Not an identical comparison to be sure but closest match ive come across to my situation. His was a 20' boat and likely a 1000 lbs lighter but he had reservations about electric motors as well. His set up suits his purpose (trolling) perfectly. The mount was quite sturdy and he said it came with a SS backing plate for underneath but wasn't cheap. He also reminded me that we both have power steering to tiller is the only way to go. (Is this true? First thing I do is turn the wheel when I get to my boat. Is there any problems with forcing the wheel when the engine is off?)
Hopefully next week will shed some more light on the choices. Might not have room underneath for a kicker mount or might not have clearance below the waterline for the electrics. Thanks to everyone nevertheless.
MajBach
Yet more good advice to consider.
After my last post regarding leaning toward Minn Kota engine mount electrics, I did some more homework and am now reconsidering. I have two batteries on board, both big and deep cycle (series 27?) but I didn't consider recharging options until someone on a different thread here said hooking the two in series prohibits them from being recharged via the alternator on board. I'll need to mull that over as Im not sure I completely agree. I have room for a third battery too if necessary - one I could isolate from the pair and dedicate to engine and ancillary.
Further, I'd like to read someone who has had this set up on a heavy boat. I think 165 lbs would be decent thrust on a boat like mine; say equivalent to 6hp. I'll also need to crunch the numbers more to see how quickly they will drain the batteries as I know if I were to mount a pair onto the leg, I would use them for more than just emergencies.
So, needless to say Im faced with a head scratcher. And now that someone here with far more boating experience than me agrees I am a rare case where aux propulsion is wise, I'm dead set on getting it.
Ironically, shortly after posting the above replies, I walk into my local hardware store and come across this:
http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o516/MajBach/photo_zps4f34494b.jpg
Not an identical comparison to be sure but closest match ive come across to my situation. His was a 20' boat and likely a 1000 lbs lighter but he had reservations about electric motors as well. His set up suits his purpose (trolling) perfectly. The mount was quite sturdy and he said it came with a SS backing plate for underneath but wasn't cheap. He also reminded me that we both have power steering to tiller is the only way to go. (Is this true? First thing I do is turn the wheel when I get to my boat. Is there any problems with forcing the wheel when the engine is off?)
Hopefully next week will shed some more light on the choices. Might not have room underneath for a kicker mount or might not have clearance below the waterline for the electrics. Thanks to everyone nevertheless.
MajBach
