15" Shaft Kicker on CD25

thataway · Posted: Sat Apr 02, 2011 3:04 pm Post subject:

We always used a line on the smaller motor which we have had on outboard brackets. Nothing like "belt and suspenders". The brackets are plenty strong--but I also use a heavy duty cable and a motor lock, both to help prevent thieft.

jacuthbert · Posted: Sat Apr 02, 2011 4:19 pm Post subject: belt and suspenders

Thank you Bob. I will make the necessary adjustments.
Amanda

richnkay · Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 1:02 pm Post subject:

Hi Amanda,
Since I just finished installing the Garelick model 71091 bracket (15 1/2" swing) on the stbd side of my 25 cruiser I thought I would add what I learned. With this bracket and a 20" (long) shaft kicker the bottom of the bracket is right above the water line on the transom. This puts the anti-cavitation plate of the kicker at the boats bottom when the bracket is swung down (the recommended position). If a short shaft kicker is used the bracket can be mounted lower on the transom to get the anti-cavitation plate at the boats bottom in the down position. But then the bottom of the Garelick bracket will always be in the water and the power head of the engine will be nearer the water .

It all seemed to me to be a question of compromises, I got a long shaft 6 HP kicker and mounted the bracket above the water line but when I get a dingy of some sort I will be using a long shaft on the dink instead of short shaft, a little more weight, 5" more draft but it will still work. This is not to say that a short shaft used on a bracket positioned for a long shaft will not work. The short shafts anti-cavitation plate will be higher than the optimal position but will still drive the boat, maybe not as well in rougher water. I think the way I went is the best for using the 6 HP as a emergency kicker but not the best dingy engine and carrying a third outboard is not something I will do, at this time anyway.

As far as trailering with the kicker my plans are to not have it mounted on the bracket while on the road. I will either strap it down aboard Annalee or carry it in the bed of the truck, just to keep from worrying about it bouncing and moving around while towing. Of course the first time I wrench my 65 year old back mounting the kicker it just might stay mounted! I'll bet whatever you do will work and there is always the option to change things later.

Rich

jacuthbert · Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 1:40 pm Post subject: kicker motor

Rich
Thank you for the information.
I wish I could put that little engine in the back of my truck and stick it on the boat when I get to the lake. Although I can lift the engine, I can not lift it high enough to get it onto the bracket. My sister-in-law helped me lift it up to the bracket and there it will stay (unless it somehow falls off...which is probably ridiculous thinking on my part).

The bracket was installed at the Starcraft dealership as part of my CDory deal. It is a very heavy duty one and has no moving parts. There is no adjusting possible. The 5hp just fits between the 150 and the port trim tab. The motor just turns all the way to starboard and all the way to port with about 1/2 inch to spare on either side. I am anxious to try it out soon, because if the little engine vibrates much, I am afraid it will rub against the trim tab and cause some damage. Before I can try it out though, I have to figure out how to un-winterize it. It has been in storage for several years. I followed the directions for storing it, now I have to find the book and follow the directions for getting it workable again. In the meantime, I will get a good bicycle type lock and chain to help secure it to the boat.

Thanks again for your most excellent information.

Amanda