Kicker Bracket

Billfisher · 03-30-2005, 08:15 AM

Okay. I'm getting closer to getting that 15 Bigfoot kicker set up. My plan as it stands is to cut the swimstep down to 3/4, and mount a bracket to the transom.

With a 115 lb. motor, what bracket should I use? Who has one they Don't like? I read about some of the security concerns, and think that I have a plan for that.

Cloud-Nine · 03-30-2005, 12:34 PM

I have the Panther remote raising and lowering bracket. I love it. No leaning over to lower and releases to fuss with and do it right from the normal stearing station. Plenty strong for your motor.
Problem--- cost--- about $550
Dick

5 Salt · 03-30-2005, 04:44 PM

I like the OMC Heavy Duty pictured below. Pressurized Gas Assist for easy lifting...about $545.00. Stay away from the standard duty model.

No Bail · 03-30-2005, 07:32 PM

Cloud Nine, can you tell me which model of the panther you have? Is it the 35? I was thinking of getting one for a 4 cycle 8 HP Honda. It is a heavy motor.

How was the install?

SouthCoastStu · 03-30-2005, 07:48 PM

Backlash442 has a Panther Steer over on the classifieds for sale. Freshwater version? Don't know if it would work for you :whazzup: New and $225 OBO :smile: Panther Steer

OuterLimits · 03-30-2005, 08:35 PM

0

Sensei-san · 03-30-2005, 09:01 PM

I'll put on my swim trunks and do a dog paddle behind your boat....

Oh... I forgot you're in Oregon.... Damn.... my 2 bucks at the internet cafe is coming to an end... I guess I could spend the other two bucks on a Hawaiian Shaved Ice.....

To rainy and windy to go fishing... its a cold 70 degrees and rainy... How's Rich doing on THE boat?

Cloud-Nine · 03-30-2005, 10:31 PM

Can not remember which model and its at my Newport home. If you still need to know I will be over there and back by next Mon. I have a 2004 9.9 4-stroke Johnson on mine. Plenty of power and you do not have to tie it down to travel. Very nice
SDR

Poi Dog · 03-31-2005, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Problem--- cost--- about $550

That's still not a bad price compared to what you would spend for a manual lift bracket like a Garelick or similar mount. My Garelick bracket cost over $200 and is a pain to raise and lower manually, even though it is spring loaded. An electric or hydraulic lift would sure be nice.

andiamo · 03-31-2005, 09:37 PM

Hey Billfisher,
I have used 4 bracket types so far. My assumption is that you want to keep your engine on the bracket for trailering (no duh) like everyone wants to, but bracket manufacturers say will void the warrantee if you do.

The first one was the spindly aluminum kind with a long multi-slotted height-adjustment bar. STAY AWAY! These are good for maybe a 2HP engine if you want to trailer with it.

The second one was a nice (looking) stainless steel one that looked very stout. This one had a crack propogate about 2/3 up an entire weld length before (luckily) Mark Mc noticed it. If he hadn't noticed it, I would have probably left my 8HP Honda on the pavement somewhere between Corvallis and Newport in the next couple of trips.

The third one was a heavy duty OMC like others have posted. It was great. The design resembles aircraft aluminum fittings (I used to design them), with generous radii, thick cross-sections, and good "edge margin" (meat) around bolt holes. I routinely trailered my boat up to Anacortes Washington and had no problems with an 8HP Honda. The only complaint might be that my 8HP didn't weigh enough to push down on the lift-assist; I had to put a lot of weight directly over the engine hood to push it down. ("Hey Mark, hang on to my ankles while I push the engine down")

My fourth bracket came with a boat upgrade. It has hydraulic lift, etc. I don't even want to know how much it cost.... but it does spoil me nicely :grin:

corrirod · 03-31-2005, 09:51 PM

Billfisher,

We've standardized on the OMC bracket at work and we haven't had any complaints. I think it's rated to 125lb. motors too. Their not cheap but they are built pretty tough. Looks good and works good.

5 Salt · 03-31-2005, 10:08 PM

Another note about OMC Heavy Duty is the niffty little bracket one should install to secure bracket/motor when trailering.

Really holds her tight and dramitically cut down on wear and tear on the bracket - see above picture

trollking · 04-01-2005, 05:07 AM

I will say that it seems difficult to get information on these brackets...no online specs, few or no sites offering for sale, etc...although my local dealer sells them and kindly gave me the installation instructions to use installing a used one I bought. What's with the lock arm? How much $$, does it stay in place or have to come off with each use? thanks

Metal Manipulator · 04-01-2005, 06:33 AM

OMC works great on my 9.9 Honda. Place lever in the down position lift up to dissingage and then push down until it locks. Repeat the oposit for lifting.