Re: OB kicker cavitation plate depth on large boats
Yes, the outboard manufacture's shaft length will be from the transom bracket to the cavitation plate, give or take a little.<br /><br />They do make small kickers with 25" shafts. Some are even high-thrust models. Use one if you can. <br /><br />But the way you set it up really depends on the boat, speed, propping, etc., and it's usually a matter of trial and error.<br /><br />Kickers won't get the boat on step, so getting the cavitation plate below the hull's keel line is usually not necessary, or possible. But you don't want it cavitating at WOT, or when trolling up and down good sized waves.<br /><br />I would suggest starting out at 3-4 inches below water line. The deeper the better. I would also suggest moving the kicker inward (toward center) as much as possible for better steering control and less cavitation. You can use wood blocks between the transom and the outboard's transom bracket for rough adjustment until you find exactly where she needs to finally rest.<br /><br />FYI, you'll rarely get it where you want it on the first try. Sometimes it requires re-mounting. All depends on the boat/kicker set-up.
