Do I need a kicker support bracket?

[redskin1]

I just purchased a new 8 hp 4 stroke yamaha (not the T-8 - couldn't afford that) for a kicker to replace a 1965 5 hp evinrude. Some have suggested that I get a support bracket for the kicker to use when I'm running the main motor. Is this necessary? I never used one with the little 5 hp. Does the additional weight of the four stroke make a difference? I mounted the new motor on the transom right next to the main motor. Thanks in advance for your opinions.

 

[sho305]

Re: Do I need a kicker support bracket?

I have seen this done on larger boats with tall transoms where the little motor is high and dry on plane. If it is out of the water on plane I see no problem. Might not be so good to drag it at higher speeds though.

 

[Franki]

Re: Do I need a kicker support bracket?

There are two good reasons to get one, and I had both of them..<br /><br />1. My kicker was supposed to be a long shaft, and dumb sh!t that I am, I got a short shaft... <br />2. I have a V4 on the back as main motor, and my transom is very narrow, I did not have room for both motors when attempting to turn full lock either direction, they were hitting..<br /><br />So I got a bracket, and both probs solved, plenty of room, and now the kicker is at the correct height as well.. <br /><br />cost me 50 bucks, (25USD) to get the bracket and worth every cent.<br /><br />Of course, if you have neither of these problems, then save your money... <br /><br />rgds<br /><br />Frank

 

[Ross J]

Re: Do I need a kicker support bracket?

There's a neat little device made and sold here in En Zed which bolts onto the main motor and piggy-backs the auxilliary, (or kicker as you guys call it), this gives the opportunity to steer, tilt and generally run it from the helm without it taking up space on the stern of the boat! I'm thinking of getting one - if I find the site then I'll post it! I have seen one in action at a local boat show.<br />Ross

 

[62_Kiwi]

Re: Do I need a kicker support bracket?

Hi Ross - what a great idea! (sounds like another fine Kiwi invention! ) I'd be interested if you find the website or the product's name.

 

[Ross J]

Re: Do I need a kicker support bracket?

62_Kiwi,<br />I'm still searching for that product. I remember seeing it at the Hamilton Boat Show late last year and my brother and I thought we could build one. We took the blokes information and I can't for the life of me think what I did with it! When I find it I'll post it for you. <br />By the way, we're still getting snapper, over 300mm, out from Maraetai, towards Waiheke Island.<br />Ross

 

[62_Kiwi]

Re: Do I need a kicker support bracket?

Ross,<br /><br />Yes - I'd be interested if you find it, thanks.<br /><br />What do you think of the Hamilton boat show? Does it differ much from the Auckland one? Worth the trip down there?<br /><br />Thanks for the fishing tip, I've never tried fishing around Maraetai - I must try it. Do you launch from there too?<br /><br />I've been fishing around The Noises recently and it's been pretty good there too (similar sized snapper). Mind you it's a longer way out and we've been throwing back about ten undersized snapper for every decent sized one!<br /><br />It seems to be a good time for fishing at present Today the water was calm as a picture (not that I was out there).

 

[Ross J]

Re: Do I need a kicker support bracket?

Yes the Hamilton Boat Show far surpasses the Auckland one. I enjoy the drive down and usually have good company for the day. They know how to throw a show without the high power rubbish that Auckland pushes at you. I have been to many Auckland shows and whilst they're good they don't measure up to Hamilton. One other point - there's plenty of parking right in front of the gate, as long as its at Claudelands Showgrounds.<br />Yes the fishing at Maraetai's Ok as long as it holds. I've been out there one day and nothing yet the very next day we've caught our limit in less than an hour. I drift around once I find the channel then when we get a fish we anchor up and burely ++. The big ones are picked off the edges with a light line set a long way behind the boat. Small ones are caught right under the boat.<br />Maraetai has a good public ramp but it's got a cunning trick. There's a sand bar at the end of it and if you're not careful the boat will hang there half way off the trailer. I've been caught ONCE. Ok if you go within 2 hours of high tide and return 2 hours after. Otherwise if you have a 4x4 use the beach - I do.<br />Tiri has been kind to me lately with the winds ect., it's been difficult to get out but the Whangaparoa Peninsular has ramps at both Gulf Harbour and Tindalls Beach which give a good selection to avoid the weather. <br />Must meet up sometime....<br />Ross

 

[62_Kiwi]

Re: Do I need a kicker support bracket?

Hi Ross,<br /><br />Many thanks - your last post was packed full of useful info for me. <br /><br />1. I'll have to take my family down to Hamilton next time the show's on. You're not the first person who's told me it's a good one. Now I've got to see it.<br /><br />2. Good info on the Maraetai boat ramp - I've never tried it, but plan to. You've probably saved me some major stress here!<br /><br />3. Good idea about the weather & Whangaparoa Peninsular! Now why didn't I think of that...<br /><br />4. I'm also interested in your fishing technique. You mentioned drifting and that you catch small fish under the boat and the larger ones further behind and round the edges...<br /><br />I realise we're going off the subject of "kicker brackets", so I'll start a new thread on "Fishing techniques" in the Fishing forum and maybe we can continue the conversation there.<br /><br />Yes we'll have to catch up on the water some time.<br /><br />Have you tried the ramp at Half Moon Bay (my regular)? It's a good one, but gets busy in the weekends.<br /><br />Thanks<br />Mark<br /><br />-----<br /><br />Hi Redskin1,<br /><br />Sorry about hi-jacking your thread. A kicker bracket is generally used if there isn't enough room on your transom for both motors - or you need extra tilting ability - or you need a different mounting height. If there is enough room for full steering lock to lock on both motors, and the kicker's tilt is enough to lift it out of the water and the transom height is correct for it, then there's no need to add a bracket.<br /><br />Ross makes a good point that we use the term "auxillary motor" here in NZ - but since joining this board I've found myself using the term "kicker" more and more. Now that's internationalization....

 

[Ross J]

Re: Do I need a kicker support bracket?

Cool 62_Kiwi catch you over there.<br />Redskin1, sorry matey we'll go and chat on the other post. <br />Good luck with your bracket hunt!<br />Ross

 

[oldboat1]

Re: Do I need a kicker support bracket?

You might try this link for the steering system which I think was referenced earlier: http://www.ezsteer.com/ These devices used to be made in Camano Island, WA, and are now made in Everett. I haven't used one, although I did buy one about a year ago over Ebay (then sold the outboard rig I was going to use it on). You will need to measure the distance between the main motor and the trolling motor to get the right unit (should be instructions at the website).<br /><br />Good luck.