Kicker question

[Retriever]

I have a 1997 Honda 8hp kicker on an 18 foot aluminum fishing boat....my question is how do you all support your kickers when underway? It has no power tilt etc just a lock when u tilt it up etc? I’m concerned about the brutal Erie chop and the pounding it dishes out, does anyone use some sort of transom saver for their kickers???

 

[taper]

Your kicker weight is relatively light and most of it is directly above the mounts on the transom.

 

[chris178]

I have an 03 Honda 8hp on a 17’ Smokercraft. The weight from bouncing in waves was causing that transom to bend outwards on that side. I had Ron Bankes build a reinforcing plate on that side and straighten the transom back up. Rock solid now and hasn’t moved a hair since about 5 years ago. My boat was not made for that extra weight High up on the transom like that without reinforcement.

 

[Retriever]

Ok good to know I have a kingfisher aka formally harbour craft it’s heavy gauge welded and looks to be ok at the transom but I guess time will tell

 

[Richardscott999]

I have a Tohatsu 8. It locks in the up position but after the first time when the wake knocked the bottom end up The lock disengaged and the motor dropped down. I grabbed a bungie cord and went from the cavitation plate up to the lock to hold it down. That’s the process and 3 years later it works and works every time. Proving again it’s best not to over think it.

Rick