Aux. Kicker

[Uncle Dave]

I am going to mount an aux kicker behind my 21 cuddy.<br />I will use a drop down bracket.<br /><br />Does the kicker prop need to be below the boat bottom? No chance of a lower water level as it should just push it at about 5 mph.<br />I would think as long as the prop is in the water.<br />It would also seem that if it is too low, then rough water could swamp the aux. motor.<br />Your comments are most appreciated.<br /><br />Uncle Dave

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Aux. Kicker

The engine needs to be low enough in the water that the water intake for the pump is well below the surface. The antiventilation plate (the flat plate just above the prop) should be flush with the bottom of the boat.

 

[AJ168]

Re: Aux. Kicker

These drop down mounts as you said can drop down. When in use, you lower it down into the water and when you're done, just raise it up and it will be out of the water. Depending on the motor you may want to tilt it up too.<br />Never run an engine without the water pump intake being submerged. That's the best way to burn out a motor. They should be treated exactly the same way that a large hp outboard is. It won't cool and will eventually just seize up. Unless of course you have an engine like that little Briggs and Stratton 5hp that is air cooled.

 

[Uncle Dave]

Re: Aux. Kicker

I am aware that the cavatation plate should be level with boat bottom on big outbord or outdrive unit.<br />But having the aux kicker that deep seems a little drastic. Also concern about wave action swamping the small motor. The boat sits about 18 inches deep when at rest or at trolling speed. Why have the small motor 24 inches down.<br />Has any one played around with this.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Aux. Kicker

I experienced terrible results with 2 different kickers, UNTIL I lowered it so the prop was below the hull. It had no thrust and would ventilate easily. You may not have a ventilating problem if you get it deep enough, but bet you won't be happy.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Aux. Kicker

You need that motor to go as low as you can get it, within reason. The action of swells will pull the prop right out of the water, and the pump will not be getting water, if you run with the cav plate even with the hull. My motor sits pretty low, the waterline is over halfway up the shaft. Swamping isn't really an issue because the swell raises the boat as well, so the powerhead never gets wet.

 

[flashback]

Re: Aux. Kicker

I think jason pretty much hit it, a small outboard on a big boat is not efficient, it dosn't need to be, it is back-up and thats all.. make sure it is in the water enough to run but not so low that a following sea will submerge it...good luck.......

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Aux. Kicker

If the prop is not below the bottom of the boat, the prop will most likely ventilate, unless you have alot of setback. Reverse will also be sacraficed due to the fact the thrust/water cannot be propelled past the transom.

 

[Uncle Dave]

Re: Aux. Kicker

Thanks all for the info,<br /><br />I will look for a bracket that not only goes up and down, but is somewhat adjustable. Lower all the way if the water is not too rough.<br />Uncle Dave

 

[Uncle Dave]

Re: Aux. Kicker

Thanks all for the info,<br /><br />I will look for a bracket that not only goes up and down, but is somewhat adjustable. Lower all the way if the water is not too rough.<br />Uncle Dave