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Member
Posts: 514
Location: Darboy USA | Wondering what you guys are doing for mounting a kicker to the newer aluminum boats? Does it make sense to use stainless or aluminum plates on the inside and outside when bolting it to the hull?
Will the 4 bolts through the transom weaken over time and am I better to go a different route? I keep getting mixed reviews on what is best and am curious what you guys have had luck with?
Also, port or starboard for mounting? Looks like most are starboard out there?? |
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| Hey Aaron,
Most mount starboard because most handles are on the port side of the kicker. Point is, mount the kicker with the handle to the inside or the gunnel could get in the way of turning the boat. If it is a "remote" kicker, you can mount it either side for weight distribution or preference.
As far as mounting, my last ones were drilled and mounted with LARGE washers. On my DV186 I believe there was a mounting plate used for the top two bolts on the inside.
Ask the manufacturer. |
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| Mr. Darboy - 1/31/2008 9:26 AM
Does it make sense to use stainless or aluminum plates on the inside and outside when bolting it to the hull?
~Not if your transom is good.
Will the 4 bolts through the transom weaken over time and am I better to go a different route? I keep getting mixed reviews on what is best and am curious what you guys have had luck with?
~Tighten the clamps and use two bolts ...along with waterproof silicone
Also, port or starboard for mounting? Looks like most are starboard out there??
~ Port for remote control, Starboard for tiller...will generally yield best clearance. |
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Member
Posts: 1656
| I would suggest starboard, no matter what type of kicker you mount. The extra weight is great for countering engine torque when the main engine is trimmed down to deal with "rough" water. |
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Member
Posts: 2445
Location: Fremont, Wisconsin | As a dealer, I will throw this in. Call dealers that sell the boat you have. Year and model and ask them if there is any tendencies of the boat at hand that would make mounting the kicker on either side better or worse. Some boats just need things done one way or another.
That would be the correct starting procedure. |
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Location: Rhinelander | I'd do what Stacker suggests. |
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Member
Posts: 3899
| I agree with Stacker. My Lund ran the best with the kicker on the port side. It sat level at rest, and there were no leaning due to motor torque when trimmed down in rougher water. Plus, I liked running it over there. It was a tiller kicker. I had no clearance issues.
I've heard some boats with larger pads are affected more by motor torque, and need the kicker on the starboard so as not to ampliphy the situation. |
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Member
Posts: 514
Location: Darboy USA | Thanks for the responses guys. Makes a lot of sense to ask the dealer about tendencies and once I decide on which brand to go with I'm sure I'll be asking some of those owners as well. I appreciate the input.
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Mounting Kicker to Alum Boat