15hp kicker doesn't fit

[smcg71]

Hi all, I have a 15hp Johnson trolling motor. My problem is the transom clamps only open to 2" and the transom on my Crestliner is 2 1/4" thick. I thought all motors would be standard to fit on any transom thickness? Has anyone else come across this problem? I'm wondering if the transom clamp on the motor can be swapped out for a wider one? Thanks

 

[oldcatamount]

Re: 15hp kicker doesn't fit

I really doubt you could swap out the transom clamp to a wider one. A wider clamp would have to come from a bigger motor and I'd say it would simply not work. My suggestion is to look into an auxillary motor bracket that bolts to your transom and the 15hp would clamp to that instead of the transom. It would also be adjustable up and down. I've seen some good looking used ones on E-Bay for around a hundred bucks or so.

 

[Will Bark]

Re: 15hp kicker doesn't fit

I have a friend who had the same problem and his solution was to take a hand grinder and grind the 1/4" off the inside bracket, if you try this be careful; he is a machinist and is used to doing stuff like this.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: 15hp kicker doesn't fit

15 hp strikes me as being pretty big to mount in the transom well next to the OB. Bracket, as others said. Will also make it easier to remove for security.

 

[Rick.]

Re: 15hp kicker doesn't fit

I use an adjustable bracket mount and am very pleased with it. I use a 4 hp on it. If you get the right bracket and mount it at the right height you should be able to use a 15 or 20 inch lower unit without problem. I was reading about the brackets last week and you're not to use them for a four stroke unless you buy a four stroke model. The four stroke model is built heavier and more money. They also said you should always remove you motor for trailering which I've never done. Best of luck. Rick.

 

[smcg71]

Re: 15hp kicker doesn't fit

Thanks for the input guys. I have a 4 stroke motor bracket that the 15hp was mounted to on my old Bayliner. The Crestliner is made to take a kicker on the transom and has a sticker showing location and max horse power. I'd hate to start drilling holes in the transom if I don't have to. Also, reaching over to raise and lower the motor when you want to use it is getting to be a p.i.t.a. lol.