Kicker Bracket

bigshrimpin · #1 03-15-2003, 07:01 PM

Has anyone added a kicker bracket to their v-20? if so did you thru - bolt it? or screw it into the transom?

chumbucket · #2 03-16-2003, 06:00 AM

BigShrimpin, When I bought my V20 CC last year it came with a kicker bracket through bolted to the starboard side transom. I'm actually thinking of removing both the kicker bracket and the swim platform on the port side. I don't expect to be ever using the kicker bracket. If your interested in it, let me know. We can work something out. It's not woth much to me. Drop me an e-mail if you are interested.

chumbucket · #3 03-16-2003, 10:31 PM

Hey bigshrimpin, I was out taking advantage of the nice day we finally had and got a little work done on the boat. I would like to know how they get so dirty even though they're covered for the winter! I've got a lot of work to do. Anyways, I was eyeballing the kicker bracket and I'm definately removing it. Again, as I said, if your interested in it, it's yours. It's really not in too bad shape. It's the adjustable type that can be raised and lowered with several height adjustments.

bigshrimpin · #4 03-18-2003, 04:00 PM

Thanks Chumbucket!! *I inherited an old adjustable bracket from my dad's boat, but thanks just the same!! * My Yamaha sometimes acts like it's 102 years old in engine years, so I beginning to become uncomfortable about heading out without a backup. * *

chumbucket · #5 03-18-2003, 09:33 PM

No problem. Mine is through bolted with stainless carriage bolts. Seems very solid. My motor's been running like a champ and the bracket sometimes gets in the way. I know what you mean about feeling uncomfortable out there and I know from some of your posts on THT that your going to be targeting B.F. Tuna. So it's probably a good idea. I had the kicker setup on my previous Grady White because of the same feeling. How are you thinking of rigging it? I went with a Yamaha 9.9hp 4 stroke with electric start so I was able to feed it off the main tank and not have to worry about oil mix. Main engine was oil injected. I used it many times for trolling and had the EZ-Steer link bar so I could steer from the helm once I set my speed. Worked out well for that and was better than running a 225hp motor at idle speeds all day long. Always seemed to gum up the works on the big motor not to mention the fuel savings. Good luck with it.

bigshrimpin · #6 04-24-2003, 10:24 AM

I worked on mounting the kicker bracket this weekend. *I am sad to say that the baitwell/dry storage area in the rear is now gone, but look at all the great space for a second battery or more storage. * I still have to trim out the remaining glass from the well, but the shelf is there to mount the second battery. * I sure hope the 4 hp will push this boat forward.
[img]www.wellcraftv20.com/projects/bracket/kicker_bracket_back.jpg[/img]

[img]www.wellcraftv20.com/projects/bracket/kicker_bracket_front.jpg[/img]

[img]www.wellcraftv20.com/projects/bracket/kicker_bracket_front2.jpg[/img]

[img]www.wellcraftv20.com/projects/bracket/kicker.jpg[/img]

chumbucket · #7 04-24-2003, 11:05 AM

Are you going to set that up with an E-Z Steer link bar or just work it from the transom. I used the E-Z Steer on my Grady and it worked out pretty well. Not too difficult to steer from the transom though. May be slow, but it'll get you home! Should be fine for trolling too or are you just going to have it as an emergency backup?

#8 04-24-2003, 11:35 PM

You should be able to just set the kicker dead ahead and steer with the main engine. That will be your best rudder anyway. :D

Chumbucket let me know what you want for that bracket, I am looking to put one on my new V-20 I got today.

Cbuzz

bigshrimpin · #9 04-25-2003, 07:57 AM

ChumB,
* *My plan was to use it as emergency backup, but I may try trolling with it. *I doubt there is anyway that I could get the 200 to push the boat as slow the 4 will push the boat. * Someday (budget permitting) I hope to replace the 4hp mariner with a 4 stroke (6, 8, or 9.9hp) and feed the kicker off the main tank (that's the perfect setup). * Did you ever break down in the Grady and have to rely on the kicker to get you home? *

CBUZZ - This weekend I will mess around with locking the kicker in a forward position and use the 200 as a tiller. *My concern is that the 200 will cause too much drag for the my wimpy 4, but I'm going to give it a try. *

Thanks guys for the suggestions . . . I'll keep you posted when I launch tomorrow or Sunday. *

chumbucket · #10 04-25-2003, 09:06 AM

BigShrimpin, Never had to rely on to get home luckily. I used mine for trolling quite a bit. I had a Yammi 9.9 4 stroke set up just the way you mentioned. It pushed my 22' Grady up to 8 knots but it was also equipped with the high torque prop so I would guess that 4hp should be okay for a while.
I think you're going to be holding off until Sunday on the launch. Have you seen the weather forcast for tomorrow? :o ::)
Good luck with it. Keep us posted.