Kicker Bracket - Any Tips?

[okgene]

The instructions seem easy enough, pull the handle and lower the unit but it is not budging.

Any tips and tricks to lower the kicker motor?

[Omega3]

Take it off of the boat and throw it in the trash,those were the worst brackets ever.Panther makes a 4 stroke model that functions much better.

[Dai20bt]

If possible go with fixed bracket to simplify kicker deployment and avoid injury. I had an older OMC gas strut bracket a couple years ago that almost cut my fingers off on water when gas struts failed and slammed down. Your bracket isn't the same but still involves raising/lowering 80-100 lb kicker on the move. Since replacing with fixed bracket, I've eliminated the anxiety of issues raising or lowering bracket and found more enjoyment using kicker. Now if only could find more fish;)

[headduck]

Watch your fingers... Those things will getcha in unexpected ways.

Get a bracket from longfield. They're nice.

[Tom C]

Replace the rusty bolts, that's why it won't move. It will be easier to sell if it works.

[KEM KAI]

Lubricate or replace the bolts.  Sometimes when I haven't moved it in awhile it gets stuck.. I carry a small pry bar or big screwdriver and pry it then it will lower. Once it gets moving then it works OK.  Also helps to push down on the top of the motor to get it started.

[fishmeister]

Also helps to push down on the top of the motor to get it started.

 

Mine actually seems to work pretty decent.  It might not be the "best" product out there.  But, as long as it still works, I can find much better stuff to spend money on.

One thing that I have noticed is the orientation of the angle-adjusting holes.  Yours are on the top (with a pivot bolt below.  Mine has the angle-adjustment below.  One of us has something fishy going on (maybe?).  I'll also note that my kicker could stand to angle down just a bit more.  I've thought of drilling an additional set of angle-adjusting holes for this purpose (Drilling the Stainless Steel doesn't sound like fun though).

[fishmeister]

Just took a couple of pics for comparison.  Looks like one of us (not sure who) has one that may have been assembled incorrectly.  See pics for details:





I suspect that mine is not original to the boat.  The inner hull has been cut away and the bracket is installed with a piece of diamond plate as a backer.  This doesn't match the installation descriptions that I've seen many others post here.  Also of note is that the actual motor mount plate is a composite or plastic.  The pictures of the early ones that I've seen are wood.

[christianbrat]

Just took a couple of pics for comparison.  Looks like one of us (not sure who) has one that may have been assembled incorrectly.  See pics for details:





I suspect that mine is not original to the boat.  The inner hull has been cut away and the bracket is installed with a piece of diamond plate as a backer.  This doesn't match the installation descriptions that I've seen many others post here.  Also of note is that the actual motor mount plate is a composite or plastic.  The pictures of the early ones that I've seen are wood.

mine is original and the opposite orientation of yours.

[fishmeister]

Just took a couple of pics for comparison.  Looks like one of us (not sure who) has one that may have been assembled incorrectly.  See pics for details:



I suspect that mine is not original to the boat.  The inner hull has been cut away and the bracket is installed with a piece of diamond plate as a backer.  This doesn't match the installation descriptions that I've seen many others post here.  Also of note is that the actual motor mount plate is a composite or plastic.  The pictures of the early ones that I've seen are wood.

mine is original and the opposite orientation of yours.

Interesting.  Mine was on the boat when I bought it.  So, if it's assembled wrong, I wouldn't know.

Does yours look like the OP (okgene)?  If so, it might explain why the angle on mine looks like it could stand to be adjusted.

[Tom C]

The angle adjusting holes are designed to go on the bottom. But by reversing them, one can get more negative trim angle in the sponson of an Arima.

https://www.westmarine.com/marinetech-products-adjustable-20-hp-2-stroke-or-15-hp-4-sroke-outboard-motor-bracket-stainless-steel-11inch-lift-17446881.html

[fishmeister]

The angle adjusting holes are designed to go on the bottom. But by reversing them, one can get more negative trim angle in the sponson of an Arima.

https://www.westmarine.com/marinetech-products-adjustable-20-hp-2-stroke-or-15-hp-4-sroke-outboard-motor-bracket-stainless-steel-11inch-lift-17446881.html

I hope we're not hijacking the OP thread too badly here.  But, I guess my question is....Will reversing the angle adjusting holes affect the operation of the whole bracket?  If not, I'm seeing some changes coming to mine in the near future.  It would definitely be a lot easier than trying to drill additional angle holes in the stainless steel.

[Tom C]

No, it wouldn't affect anything except the angle.

[KEM KAI]

Drilling SS not too bad.  I use the bit for hard steel then adjust size with Harbor Freight step bits. Those step bits even the cheaper ones they sell work real well.

[okgene]

Thanks everyone!

Looks like I am adding another project to the list.

I am going to start by replacing the bolts and see what happens.