Driftboat/Kicker Question

[Artwo]

I am going to run a kicker on my driftboat this year for the first time. I was wondering if there was something I could put over my boat where the kicker clamps on that would protect the paint from getting all scratched up.......any ideas or suggestions?

Thanks,
JK

[ 02-22-2002, 12:17 PM: Message edited by: Artwo ]

[Drachir]

Go to Fishermans Marine, and get a trolling motor rubber transom mat. They are made for that exact application, and cost about $20. :grin:

[Grass Hopper]

Tempo transom pads available @ 800 215-3684 for $13.95

[Artwo]

Thanks guys, I'll check them both out.

JK

[swampy]

Hey, Artwo . Just a heads up (you've probably already thought of this)But make sure you meet the additional legal requirement for being motorized ...

[Nookie Monster]

I c-clamp a piece of 3/4 inch plywood on the inside and outside of the transom. The outside piece is big enough to allow the motor clamps to rest against. I found this also adds a little extra strength to the transom and keeps it from denting.
It also helps to have a hydro-fin(?)on the lower unit of the motor to help push the boat flatter. Don't forget to secure the motor to the boat with a cable, chain or strap. Last summer my brother was fishing in Canada and lost a motor because it was not safety chained to the boat. Apparently, his buddy was driving the boat and hit a wave just right to pop the 25 hp motor off the transom. The fuel line stayed connected but they were having a hell of a time trying to retrieve the motor because it was in the water upside down, still in gear and running full tilt. :shocked: In the confusion and scramble to regain control of the rogue motor, an electrical short started a small fire - next to the kicker fuel tank. Out comes the fire extinguisher, the kicker fuel tank goes overboard, the fuel line to the main motor breaks, and the motor sinks to rest 30 feet underwater. The fire was easily put out and the kicker tank was picked up as it floated by.
When they got back to the marina, they explained to one of the locals where they could find a slightly used motor on the bottom of the lake. They also suggested that if the motor was retrieved, it would probably need a new fuel line.

[chuck 'n' duck]

I did the same thing as nookie monster. My driftboat has a center-mounted anchor arm. I just removed the anchor arm and used the bolt holes to attach 3/4" plywood to either side of the transom. Worked really well. After fall chinook season was over, I simply removed the plywood and reattached my centermount anchor. (I bought a side-mount anchor arm for use while the kicker was on and absolutely hated it.)

CnD

[Artwo]

Swampy, nookie and chuck....
Thanks for all of the suggestions they are great. I have been getting together all the law required stuff I need show I should be covered that way. I really like the safety cable idea and the bolted on plywood idea, I will use both of those on my boat.

Chuck, what didn't you like about the side mount anchor system on your boat, I'm planning on having one put on this weekend along with a bow mount system.

Thanks,
JK

[chuck 'n' duck]

Artwo:

My Willie has a bracket for a rail mounted seat to run the kicker. It is a 96, and I think they failed to realize that this mount interferes with the anchor rope going to a side-mounted anchor arm. I have seen newer Willies with this bracket moved outwards to allow the anchor rope to run behind. I also think that the pulleys along the inside of the boat should probably be realigned to create a better angle to a side-mounted anchor. In a nutshell, there is too much resistance created when the anchor rope is run to a sidemount (at least in my boat). It makes it a sunofabitch to pull up my 35lb pyramid.

I only use my kicker for tidewater fishing, so I only use the sidemount during this time. The remainder of the year I am up in the rivers, so I use the centermount.

CnD