Kicker mount on swim deck.

[Dave-R]

I have a Four Winns 180 Horizon that I want to install a kicker motor mount on either the swim deck or the transom. Not sure which one would be better than the other. Anyone have Any Ideas I could use. I don't think an electric bow mount would work as I troll for 6 or 7 hrs a day and I remote camp a lot. I am thinking of a real small engine just to troll with. Although some small engines have charging capabilities, and that would be nice. I had one kicker bracket that had springs and was adjustable, but It was very flimsy, and you could not leave the engine on to travel. Any Ideas and pictures would be very helpful. Thanks Dave-R

 

[jimbo_jwc]

No Title

This works good for my style of fishing .

 

[airshot]

You have a lot more faith in your swim platform than I do, appears to work but I would not trust mine and it looks the same as the pic. I have an older heavy duty transom mount that moves up and down with my 9.9 kicker mounted to it. It stays on there all the time but is bolted thru transom with a backing plate on the inside. Boat is 1983 and all original so never had an issue with the mount being weak. I am one that would rather be safe than sorry....just hate doing things over!!

 

[JimS123]

I agree. The swim platform is not strong enough, plus its too low in the water to make it usable. My heavy duty bracket has been on the boat for 31 years now and the 9.9 OB has never come off. She rides well ijn the water and on the highway.

 

[jimbo_jwc]

I agree. The swim platform is not strong enough, plus its too low in the water to make it usable. My heavy duty bracket has been on the boat for 31 years now and the 9.9 OB has never come off. She rides well ijn the water and on the highway.

Kicker motor is only 4.5 hp and cavitation plate is at water line , It has held up good without screws coming loose on the platform , I tilt back running WOT ,snug steering bushing on it pointed straight and can steer with IO ..Its clamped to a piece of 1 1/2 oak with U bolts to the platform tubes . I have used it a lot the last 3 years and do not take it off trailering .. I also can take it off and set on the floor under mooring cover when gone for awhile from the campground ,it has a small stainless safety chain . Usually only run a little above idle but have run harder when I had problems and it doesn't flex .Previous owner had one there too and didn't have wood as tight on mount and I don't Know what size motor he used on Lake Erie .I did buy another plastic platform and ladder for the other side with dual purpose to get myself back in boat and strap cooler on . And thats my Johnson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSgdLt2BH4s

 

[jimbo_jwc]

I agree. The swim platform is not strong enough, plus its too low in the water to make it usable. My heavy duty bracket has been on the boat for 31 years now and the 9.9 OB has never come off. She rides well ijn the water and on the highway.

I wonder where your water line is with 3-4 men gear , supplies as it must be heavy boat ? I see now It can fish from front with seats too .

 

[H20Rat]

If you guys think your swim platform isn't strong enough for a 9.9 kicker, might want to seriously consider removing it, it is a safety hazard! Your swim platform should be able to support 2 if not 3 full size adults standing on it, so at least 500+ pounds.

 

[smokeonthewater]

not one like pictured in this thread..... they are for 1 person only.

 

[Starcraft5834]

If you guys think your swim platform isn't strong enough for a 9.9 kicker, might want to seriously consider removing it, it is a safety hazard! Your swim platform should be able to support 2 if not 3 full size adults standing on it, so at least 500+ pounds.

yea my thoughts exactly...... any swim platform that is sound will hold a kicker easy,,, mine has supported every adult in and out of my boat, some are 120lb, I've had a few 300lbers too....... no problems go for it, water line is another issue to figure out

 

[JimS123]

yea my thoughts exactly...... any swim platform that is sound will hold a kicker easy,,, mine has supported every adult in and out of my boat, some are 120lb, I've had a few 300lbers too....... no problems go for it, water line is another issue to figure out

My platform is made out of 1" SS tubing, with the ends bent over and flattened to accept a bolt thru the transom. The back side of the bolts have a small washer and a locknut. If I pull on it to move the boat I can see flexing, though it isn't much.

My kicker bracket is also thru bolted with washers and locknuts, but it also has an aluminum backer plate that spans all 4 bolts and then some.

When fatties come aboard its in shallow water and they are only on the platform for a few seconds. Basically, the stress is merely a vertical moment force.

The kicker is subject to forces in all directions, due to wave motion, and highway bouncing as well.

Will the motor stay on the swim platform?...Probably. Do I want to even think about it......nahhhh. The last outboard I bought cost 2800 bucks.

Using the platform eliminates the option for swimming (and the ladie's ability to pee). The cost of a second platform equals the cost of a bracket. What's the point!

 

[jimbo_jwc]

The SS bolts on my platform are 5/16 x3 1 /4 and tightend when I mounted kicker , I can stand on and it doesn't wiggle , The trolling motor weighs #75 lbs n pushes ? lbs but I can drive on trailer with ,runs 2 hrs with onboard tank at trolling speeds .

 

[smokeonthewater]

Jimbo, this isn't a debate on whether YOUR setup works for YOU..... The question is SHOULD the O/P do it the same way..... He stated that the kicker bracket he had before was flimsy... there are MUCH better kicker brackets readily available..... He ASKED which mounting technique was "BETTER" ...... Yes the platform COULD work but a quality kicker bracket ABSOLUTELY IS BETTER.......

 

[Dave-R]

Today I came across a heck of a deal on a 2005 Honda 5 hp. that only had app 5hrs. The wife called and bought it for me for Valentines day for 850.00$ . But I did have to go 60 miles to get it. I was so excited because it looked real new and well taken care of. I didn't even notice until I got home it was an electric start 9.9 hp. It also has a 12 amp alternator which I always wanted also. I thought it was either heavy as hell, or just me being 64. Now I really am going to need a solid mount. I think I want to find one that bolts to the transom. The top of the transom leans toward the bow about 15 degrees. I haven't as of yet found one that was stationary that would handle the weight yet. I watched on you tube where a guy with a new mount was shaking it back and forth, and thought it wouldn't last. I want one that I do not have to take the motor off to travel. I hope I don't have to have it custom made. Thanks for all your help and pictures. Dave-R

 

[jimbo_jwc]

Jimbo, this isn't a debate on whether YOUR setup works for YOU..... The question is SHOULD the O/P do it the same way..... He stated that the kicker bracket he had before was flimsy... there are MUCH better kicker brackets readily available..... He ASKED which mounting technique was "BETTER" ...... Yes the platform COULD work but a quality kicker bracket ABSOLUTELY IS BETTER.......

Yep as old ones I am used to seeing are not as heavy duty as the one posted .

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