Need your inputs- Kicker setup ?

[cloumar]

Hello All,<br /><br />I Want to install a 8-HP kicker motor on my fishing boat it is a long shaft 22.5 inches, but if I install it on the place where it should be on the transom the cavitation plate is above the bottom line of the hull, the propeller is in line with the bottom, so if I use it only for trolling do you see any problem if only the prop shaft is in line with bottom ? I don't want to buy a bracket and drill more holes in transom.<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />Smoky

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Need your inputs- Kicker setup ?

I would say as long as you're only using it for trolling in fairly calm water, you should be OK. It's the cavitation problem I would be concerned with in choppy waters. Guess it depends on the boat and weather it bobs up and down alot or is stable in the chop. Couldn't hurt to try it.

 

[ledgefinder]

Re: Need your inputs- Kicker setup ?

I wouldn't recommend it, unless you have power to spare.<br /><br />If you mount a kicker so that top of the prop's swing isn't below the hull, you can lose a surprising amount of thrust. <br /><br />The flow path of the water in front of the prop must get messed up - similar to placing a blockage directly BEHIND the propeller. <br /><br />It's tempting to mount a kicker high, because the kicker won't plane the hull & so for sure 'looks' deep enough in the water. However, at least in my experience it really lowers the motor's power. <br /><br />The exception is very high speeds. High-performance boats sometimes have their props that high, but they are set up (intentionally) so that, at speed, only the bottom half or so of the prop is in the water.

 

[cloumar]

Re: Need your inputs- Kicker setup ?

Thank you guys !<br /><br />I realize that I didn't give you much info - I fish most of the time in fresh water in northern lakes - water is most of the time not rough and this is only my kicker - the main motor is a 75-HP <br /><br />I will try it as soon it's warm enough outside and will let you know<br /><br />Many Thanks again<br /><br />Smoky

 

[graddy]

Re: Need your inputs- Kicker setup ?

One important thing to remember is that all the water intakes are in the water at all times or the engine will suck air instead of water and over heat.