how long should my kicker shaft be?

[greenbuttskunk]

I've got an 19' smoker craft with a 16" transom
depth. I'm assuming a standard length 8-10 hp kicker will do the job, but what if I find a deal on a long shaft, say it's a 24" shaft. I assume this is the length from prop centerpoint to the
transome attachment. Anyone have opinions either way regarding performance or getting fished tangle on a long shaft? all opinion appreciated.
GBS

[SafetyChain]

Brad,

you can always shorten the shaft with a kit.

[CARTMAN]

Having the right kicker shaft is important. I have a 15ft smokercraft w\20" transome. I recently bought a kicker for it. I asked alot of questions from the people at stevens marine and other places. The most important part is to make sure it is long enough. I needed and bought a long shaft. If I had gotten a shorter shaft the motor would not have been in the water far enough to ensure it would pick up enough water to keep it cool. As far as longer than what you need I am not sure. As long as you are using it in deeper water I don't think it would be an issue but not sure how it effects the handeling. However kickers are generally designed to "kick up" if they hit something while trolling. I found a great deal at stevens. I bought a 2003 5 horse/2-stroke merc for $695. I had them run it and it ran great, and still looked brand new. Good luck with your search. Call Around and ask, most places are willing to answer questions.

Cartman

[diehard2]

Make sure the top of the prop is below the bottom of the boat, if not you wont be able to do much in reverse.

[Space]

I have an 18ft sled. The center of the prop on the kicker is about 2" inches below the bottom of my boat. I have enough reverse to do what I need to but it doesn't have alot of power. I don't need reverse power myself. I need to keep the prop off the rocks when I'm back trolling down the Clack or similar rivers. Shaft length will greatly determine how skinny you can run the motor. If you don't fish skinny water then by all means go with a shaft that puts the full height of the prop below the boat. This will get you maximum effeciency in forward and reverse.

SPACE

[greenbuttskunk]

that's what I'm thinking, a long shaft will be fine, and I can always build a transomw plate to get it up a little higher. My splashwell is huge, so keeping the motor up a little higher will make it easier to reach.

[salmurai]

Make sure that it isn't so long that you can't lift/tilt it out of the water and drags when under power of the main motor.

The cavitation plate on the motor should be slightly below the bottom of your boat. Too deep and you will have problems with power loss, too shallow and the prop will cavatate (See lower left picture). I usualy have a UHMW shim under the motor to raise it 3/8". The bracket is set up for my pump and 35hp Johnson.

I know that you can put a long shaft kit on some motors, I don't know if you can go the other way.




[ 02-10-2004, 11:58 AM: Message edited by: Keta ]

[Chrome Bumper]

The cavitation plate should be (minimum) 1 inch below the surface for proper operation, cooling. If you are using for a kicker then you can get clean water off to the side for full thrust. Mines on the port side, works for me. Can sit on the motor well, see all around and be close to the kicker and water.

[fishhard]

If your motor is an inch or two to high and you get cavitation you can have your prop cupped at a prop shop and this will help control the cavitation.

[trap50]

My big motor is a long shaft to match the transom. My kicker is short shaft. Never had a problem with cavation or backing up. Cools the 4 stroke plenty well.

[FallRiverGuy]

I have a long shaft kicker on my 16 foot smokercraft. It seems that the cavitation plate is flush with the bottom of the boat.