Kicker on Drift Boat (problem?)

[TYEE-FISHER]

I purchased a new Willie and chose not to have the transom cut out. I mounted a Yamaha F-8 long shaft and it works great unless Im solo, and standing near the bow.

After trying all the adjustments on the motor it stil won't pick pick up water with weight close to the bow. What are my options at this point? Take it back to Mfg. (Willie's) and have the transom cut out? I didn't have this done the first time, because of turning restrictions?

I don't know???? Any thought's??? :help:

[FastAction]

Due to the High rocker of the willie boat, you are stuck with this problem.. If you are in the back solo the boat rides bow HIGH if you run to the front the motor comes out of the water. A good trick is to remove the rowing seat and stand where the seat would be. The Handle on the F8 is long enough to reach from there. Unless you have passangers or heavy weight to throw in the bow, your stuck with it

[Best Fishes]

I have a 16 x 54 and when I use my 2 stroke Johnson on it...I have had similar experiences. I now make sure the motor is not running if I go to the front of the boat. When I am underway for a longer distance, I use an extension tiller so I can stand in front of my rowers seat. This allows me go up to "8" mph if the wind is behind me!

I believe your Yamaha is a 4 stroke and probably weights about 25 lbs more than my 2 stroke. You will have more of a problem than I have.

Best Fishes.

[Snoslyder]

I have a Wille 17x54 Drifter with a brand new Yamaha T-8 on an un-cut transom. I have transferred the battery (electric start)up into the center of the front bench compartment which brings a little weight forward in an attempt to offset my 200 lbs and the motors 105 lbs. all in the stearn. If I go out by myself (and lucky Choco Lab up front), I am a tad Bow high, but I too run a tiller extension that allows me to sit/stand on the rower's seat and that keeps me pretty balanced. Running this way seems to be the most efficient. If I go out with a full boat of adults, well then the motor is pretty useless in the rivers that I run, so in those cases I simply remove the motor and free drift...after all, that's what we have chosen as the vehicle of choice here...a Drift Boat.

[DAB]

Do they make a kit so you can make it into an extra long shaft, if they do put one on and most likely your problem will be solved.

DAB

[Drachir]

That was the biggest drawback to the Willie I had. Willie DB's have a full rocker bottom. It makes for a great tracking and rowing DB, but not too great w/ a kicker motor. You will have no real option, except to keep some weight in the back of the boat when using a kicker. Outside of going w/ an extra long shaft kicker, you are going to have to deal with your choice of DB's.

[SeanD]

I dont see it as an issue? Just stand in the back of the boat where the kicker is? I run a kicker on mine all the and its only an issue when I have two fat boys up front leaning forward with an additional 200# of batteries in the seat box. Then if they just lean back a little the kicker catches and i'm off to the races. When fishing alone I am always in the back on the swivel seat running the kicker and its never a problem. No big deal. I have a 16x54 willie.

I wouldnt cut the transom.