Kicker questions

[zacheus007]

I have heard that the moving brackets for Kickers will eventually break and it is in my best interest to use a stationary bracket. If I run my inboard and not the kicker, than I have to have the kicker out of the water or I will destroy the bearings in my lower unit? Is there a way around that?

Also, how do I keep my battery charged running just my kicker all day? I run a Stereo and GPS/Sonar unit while I am trolling/cruisin around. Is there any hardware or setup that can charge my batteries while I am running the kicker?

 

[Oleo]

Re: Kicker questions

When I purchased my I/B Jet, I didn't want the dealer installed kicker bracket, since they were going to use an off the shelf, hinged (moveable) style. The moveable bracket will eventually wear out and/or break. I much prefer a solid welded aluminum bracket. Where I live, aluminum fabrication of a solid kicker bracket runs anywhere from $150.00 to $650.00, it all depends what you want. A typical fabricator will want your boat for a day or so to get the proper measurements, etc. You haven't specified the horsepower of the kicker, but I'm assuming it's in the 8-10 HP range. Also, when I'm running full bore, the kicker is tilted up out of the water and out of the way.

As far as the battery situation goes, I'd suggest you look into a dual battery system with switch. There's a wealth of info on the internet regarding the installation of these systems. In your case, it is possible to use a deep cycle for your accessories, such as stereo, DF/GPS, VHF, etc while trolling and then switch over to the starting battery when you're ready to head in. There are some who may not suggest mixing different styles of batteries, but it is perfectly acceptable.

Good luck

 

[dodgeramsst2003]

Re: Kicker questions

Well Zach, you don't say where you're from, but around here (Michigan on Lake Erie) I would say over half the fishing boats here have the hinged kicker bracket if they are running a trolling motor. I have one as does my neighbor. (his is original on his 1978 starcraft) Both are doing just fine. When mine is in the lifted position and the boats at rest, about 5-6 inches of the kicker are in the water. When I'm on plane the whole thing is out. I have a cable lock attached from my motor to the tie down ring on the back of the boat, should something terrible ever happen my motor will get wet, but I can pull it back up. I think a lot of the stories that you will hear are about this one guy, that somebodies someone knew ( and he probably did something stupid to the bracket and didn't tell anyone). Just my two cents, I'm sure others have their opinion, and you're gonna have to decide whats best for your application.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Kicker questions

a fixed one is fine, as long as you can get the motor tilted and locked for cruising.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Kicker questions

I used both fixed and hinged and never had a problem with either, just make sure it's the correct size for the motor.

I have no idea what kicker you have, but most do have a kit you can get to charge the battery. The only problem is they don't put out a lot of juice, and when the do put out what they have it's a higher RPM than what you'd be trolling at. I looked into it years ago and every shop and mechanic I talked with said the same thing, we can get the kit for you, but don't bother with it, just get a bigger or second battery. I'd still put one on if I got a good deal on one though.

 

[getinmerry]

Re: Kicker questions

I've had good results with both, and I like both for different reasons. The biggest drawback to the hinged one that I found is vibration. Being less stiff, it allows more vibrating of the motor and it transfers to the boat.

Chuck