Has any one ever mounted a kicker on the swim platform

W

Webminer2

New member
I can't mount a kicker on the starbord side of the transom and just wondered if anyone has ever mounted their kicker on the swim platform. Please post a picture if you have. I know that there are several mounts made to do it on ohter boats.

I could mount it on the starboard side if I use a Garlick motor mount but it will put too much weight on that side and since I usually will be by myself it will list the boat too much.

Thanks
webminer2
"Quiet Time"
16' cruiser
 
I did a little Googling and found lots of examples of kickers mounted to swim platforms (with modified mounts) but what is wrong with the port side?
 
It's a question of boat balance, also all the control cables and fuel lines are in the way. Since I will be by myself I want to keep the weight from all being on the starboard side.
 
I have done kicker mounts on swim platforms on a number of boats. On the C Dory there are a couple of issues. The swim platform is not as strong/ strongly attached as some boats are, so you would be limited to smaller motors. `It would probably be OK up to 4 HP, maybe 6 HP if the weight was less than 75 lbs. Weight is not the limiting factor, but the thrust and torque are potential issues. Also the motor will be close to the water, and some risk of getting water on the head unit.

I prefer either a lowering unit, or a long shaft with fixed mount.
 
I intentionally put our kicker on the starboard side so I could have the swim step access completely free of cables. I put the kicker on a Mini Jacker which offset it enough that it didn't interfere with the cables. Also, if your kicker's tiller is on the right side when you look at it from the cockpit, you'll get more side to side steering range with the kicker starboard. From what I've heard, having the kicker on port causes the tiller to bump the motor well wall/lazarette and makes it hard to steer.

If I was single handing most of the time then I would consider moving both batteries to port, and filling the water tank to balance out the kicker and me. We don't actually use the water that much, so it's been very useful for balancing the boat!
 
Bob does bring up a good point regarding weight and stress. My previous boat - a Campion hardtop had a 6hp kicker mounted on the swim platform. A full width teak platform that looked plenty strong. When I removed it to sand/varnish I discovered several stress cracks in the mounting frame(aluminum).

I still have the kicker mount if anybody wants it(free to a good home) - they aren't too complicated though for somebody to fabricate.

Regards, Rob
 
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