Mini-jacker with Lenco trim tabs question

[colbysmith]

Took a while to remember to take some photos, but here are some that show the clearance I have between my kicker and the trim tabs. Only about an inch at the most. As you can see, I've also shimmed the mini jacker out about 3/4" or so, and have it set so that the kicker is raised a bit higher than the transom. This keeps the ventilation plate in line with the main's plate.

[AKMel]

I installed the kicker mount today. Thank you for the pictures colbysmith. I consulted them several times during the mini-jacker install. Due to the long trim tabs I had to do much the same thing with spacers, and clearance the wood block too. Even then I only had about 1/4 inch clearance to the trim tab actuator. But it's on and all seems to fit.

I did go to port. Starboard is busy with hoses, hydraulics, and wiring which exit to the splash well just about where the cowling will be if I tilt the kicker up all the way. Plus I wanted the weight to port to offset the batteries. I figure I will make a small tiller handle to steer the kicker if I can't hook link it to the outboard. I think there is a good probability I can lock it straight and steer with the main outboard if I need to.

Thanks all for the assistance. Much appreciated. Mel

[colbysmith]

Mel, you can look at more of the photos at my kicker install pictures to see the steering linkage I used. The linkage itself was from Cabella's. Then I fabricated a connector on my main engine to attach it too. All works pretty well, but I can not tilt the main all the way up when using the steering linkage. I also sometimes just use the main as a rudder with the kicker locked in place, and that works just about as well. Many times when using the kicker, I'll just sit on the splash well (with my throwable cushion, lol) and steer with the tiller. I do it that way about half the time salmon trolling as then I can pay attention to the poles and I'm right there if I get any hits. Colby