Mounting kicker to I/O

dwojo

Cadet
Joined
Jun 11, 2003
Messages
17
I have a 20' Sea Ray with a merc 260, and I mounted a 15 hp kicker on the rear last night. On the outside of the boat, I used a plate made of 3/4" marine grade plywood, and on the inside, I just snugged the nuts/washers up to the transom. As I have said in other posts, this is my first I/O fiberglass boat, so I am unsure of a few things (hence my dumb questions at times) Anyway, I noticed that when I snugged up the nuts, the washers seated a bit into the transom. It seems that the transo is fiberglass on the outside wood on the inside. Is this true? If so, is it ok that the washers sink in a bit? <br /><br />Unfortunately, the 3" screws are to short to put even a 1/2" plate on the inside of the boat, but should I figure out some kind of inside plate anyway? If so, is it ok to use it a few times until I get a sheet of metal cut to put on the inside?<br /><br />Oh yeah, last one...how does fiberglass hold up over the years? The boat is 20 years old, and I want to make sure it doesn't crack or anything. When putting the bolts through the transom last night with a hammer, I was worried about cracking the fiberglass with the vibrations/forcing the bolt through fiberglass (hole was just the right size, but I had to help it through). Is this a viable worry?<br /><br />Thanks for any help that you can give!
 

kdmiller8251

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 7, 2002
Messages
495
Re: Mounting kicker to I/O

Fiberglass should hold up well over the years as long as the core doesnt get wet...<br /><br />As far as mounting your kicker... Get longer screws, and put a backing plate on the inside using wood or metal...... dont just use washers this will distribute the weight and pressure more evenly... Why take a chance....<br /><br />tallman
 

jfc092

Seaman
Joined
Jun 3, 2002
Messages
60
Re: Mounting kicker to I/O

"Ditto" to Tallman's advise. Put a 3/4 inch plywood plate on the inside.
 
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