Question: Removing swim step to mount kicker

kayakbriang

My new 22 Cruiser has dual swim steps installed. Looking for ideas on the best way to remove one of the steps and install the kicker either on a bracket or transom mount. I currently have a Honda BF8 to hang but willing to get a smaller kicker if I can utilize the swim platform as a bracket mount.

localboy · Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2015 8:12 pm Post subject:

I did myself to move the swim-step to port and install a kicker.

http://www.c-brats.com/viewtopic.php?t=16466&highlight=swimstep

kayakbriang · Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2015 8:27 pm Post subject:

Perfect. Thank you for the post link. I didn't find that one when searching.

How well were the screws/bolts mounted? I am thinking about fabricating a bracket that utilizes the existing mounting holes if they are strong enough.

thataway · Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2015 12:12 am Post subject:

There is another option..That is to put a "L" bracket on the swim step. I did this with my Caracal. There are 4 nuts to remove, and the bracket moves right off. My swim step is slightly different, but the idea is the same. With the C Dory cored steps, there would have to be epoxy potting of the holes, for the bolts, and fender washers under, but the same idea will work.

srbaum · Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2015 9:02 am Post subject:

Mary and Casey of "DESSERT 1ST" did a very nice job of mounting a kicker on their OEM platform. I would suggest that you PM them for a close-up photo of their installation.

Leon · Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2015 3:19 pm Post subject:

and I might be interested in relieving you of the swim step, I am thinking about installing one on my 23ft venture...

localboy · Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2015 3:21 pm Post subject:

The step should be thru bolted to the transom w/ fender washers. Two on top and two on the bottom. They came out easily. The step itself was glued onto the gelcoat and THAT was the hard part to remove.

RichardM · Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2015 5:24 pm Post subject: swim steps

I am looking for a swim step that mounts as yours does so it will clear my trim tabs. Any idea of the manufacturer's name on yours? If anyone has seen similar designs, let me know where to look.

kayakbriang · Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2015 9:28 pm Post subject:

I believe they are oem.

Casey · Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2015 6:51 am Post subject:

Here is the bracket we used to mount a Tohotsu 6hp kicker on the starboard swim step:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Garelick-Horizontal-Platform-Mount-Stationary-Outboard-Motor-Brackets-71078-/131585753278?hash=item1ea31f40be&vxp=mtr

Works fine!

Best,
Casey&Mary

Larry Patrick · Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2015 7:41 pm Post subject:

Curious if you can still swim and get back in boat? Are the steps still usable with the garelik brackets?

Casey · Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2015 6:12 am Post subject:

We have two swim steps.

The Garelick bracket is mounted on the starboard step, and that ladder was removed. With the Garelick and kicker mounted this way we must use the port swim step.

Best,
Casey&Mary

Larry Patrick · Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2015 1:31 pm Post subject:

Thanks,if we ever attempt ICW,which I think we will plan a trip . Maybee to Florida want to have a kicker. Im impressed by your trip,have been telling people when they talk with us about boat. Boat being at lake ,wasn't thinking about other side platform will check that out next time there. Guess separate fuel tank? Also steer from motor handle? Newbie questions thanks.

ssobol · Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2015 4:05 pm Post subject:

I guess a question would be is "Can the swim platform handle the stress of a motor on it for long periods of time?"

Yes the step can handle heavier weights (e.g. adult male), but the stress of that sort of use is for brief periods. A 8HP 4-stroke weights about 100# (Honda). Having this weight on the end of the platform while bouncing down the road for many miles might be more than the swim platform (or its mounting) is designed to handle.

I don't know if this is an issue or not. It is just something that I would be interested to know if I was planning on installing a kicker motor on my swim step.

Casey · Posted: Fri Sep 11, 2015 6:34 am Post subject:

Our kicker is a 6hp Tohatsu 4-stroke (wgt 55#). It is adequate in the event we ever need it. After thousands of miles of boating and tens-of-thousands of miles trailering, the swim step shows no sign of stress.

Two items I'd probably change if we were to do it again:

1) Buy a small OB with a built-in fuel tank. Our kicker relies on the main tanks for fuel, and yes, contaminated fuel is a potential weak spot in our arrangement. Happily, we haven't run into bad fuel ... but you never know. Having even a small built-in tank with stabilized non-enthanol fuel would be comforting.

2) Buy a regular length shaft. Our kicker is a long shaft, and works fine, but in the tilted-up position it only clears the water by mere inches. I think a regular length shaft would have been slightly better.

I like the Tohatsu. It seems like a good motor, light weight, and available at a good price. One strange feature though.... It does not have an OFF button. When running the OB, to shut it off you've got to pull the clip on the emergency kill switch(lanyard), then reinsert the clip to restart. Seems like a silly (cheap) arrangement to me.

Best,
Casey&Mary
...currently in Yarmouth, ME but headed to FL (eventually)