Kicker installation ?

[cloumar]

Hella all,<br /><br />Only for trolling purpose, is it a big deal if I install my kicker motor with the cavitation plate above the bottom of the boat and even the prop will be just above the bottom line of the boat.<br />My problem is that I need an extra long shaft -25'' shaft and they are not easy to find in the used market.<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />Mario

 

[DJ]

Re: Kicker installation ?

smoky,<br /><br />Shouldn't be a problem-as long as the kicker water intake ports remain covered by water.

 

[trollhole]

Re: Kicker installation ?

Don't know if this is possible or not but have you thought about a outboard bracket. This will allow you to lift and lower it to whatever depth you want.

 

[cloumar]

Re: Kicker installation ?

Hi trollhole,<br /><br />I know that one, but the way the damned transom is made on that boat if I put on a bracket and lower I will not be able to control the motor in tiller mode even with an extension, the transom is open let say only in the middle for the main engine between this well and the side edge of the boat it is at the same height of the rest of the boat. My next option is to find an outboard with controls for fuel and shift, but again in the used market they are rare and I can't afford to buy new <br /><br />Thanks <br /><br />Mario

 

[trollhole]

Re: Kicker installation ?

Hey Smokey I know what you mean. I had the same problem but I found out that if I keep the main engine in the water and keep the kicker motor pointed straight then I can use my main engine as a rudder. Works great. But as far as throttle I just set mine and leave it. I only use it for one speed only And to keep it at a steady speed I use a spring clamp on the handle it works great.

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: Kicker installation ?

I have a setup similar to what you're talking about and it works out fine, as long as you're going forward. Just don't expect to actually back down when you put it in reverse. I came in on the kicker one day, put it in reverse and whacked my wharf good.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Kicker installation ?

Smokyforce<br />Do not say what type boat you have or what type water you boat in.<br />Very inportant that the water pump intake does not suck air or you will burn up your water pump. Mounted that high prop will probably cavitate at higher rpms but should be ok for slow trolling. You will very likely have no reverse at all.<br />I mounted mine on a lift bracket with 11 inches of lift. I steer with a EZ steer and only use tiller handle for setting speed. Before I got the EZ steer I would set the trolling motor straight and steer with the main motor. This worked ok except when windy, when windy wind had more control than me.<br />As long as water pump get water will not hurt to try it. Call the motor manufacture and see if they have a extension kit for your motor.<br />If you do any boating in Ocean and water where you have big swells prop will come out of the water alot.

 

[cloumar]

Re: Kicker installation ?

Thank you all for your comments and inputs,<br />Sorry if I didn't reply before I was away for the week end. I use my boat only in fresh water, Boatist: my boat is a SmokerCraft Pro Mag 162 - 1994. I am on the way to install the kicker the way you had said - with EZ steer. and adjust the speed with the handle, unles I found a kicker with controls .<br /><br />Thansk<br /><br />Mario