Kicker O/B Shaft lenght and Transom

[boomsurf]

Can you use a kicker O/B with a 15" shaft or does it need to be a 20". Also, how do you determine the soundness of a transom.

Thanks

[Airslot]

The "at home" method to check the transom is to trim the motor down level, stand on the cavitation plate, and bounce up and down. If the transom flexes youv'e got at least some problems. There are other methods including tapping with a mallett (sounding) and using a moisture meter. The bounce test works well though. I'm really hoping that someone with a kicker jumps in here. I'm pretty sure you gonna need a 20" to keep the prop in the water. I'd like to know for myself for certain.

Airslot

[Blue_Runner]

I think you are on point with that statement Slot ;)

I've never used a 15" on my V but I think it would come outta the water on swells or just weight shifting around int the boat even. With 20" there is no worry of it the prop or waterpump intake coming out of the water.

For a calm water lake a 15" should do just fine though.

[macojoe]

lifting the motor or out drive by hand is the way to test the transom, no movement you go to go!

If you find your self with a moving transom and want to know how much is rotted, you drill holes on the inside of the transom. Clean wood you good to go, black wood wet, dirt rot!

Refill holes with epoxy. 1/4 is more then big enough

[boomsurf]

Thanks guys. I dont think I'd feel safe jumping on my cavitation plate (I'm 6'2" 240lbs). With my 200 johnson trimed all the way up on trailer I can slightly flex the transom by grabing the very bottom of the motor and really pushing it up and down. Does that sound like a problem? Its bugging me but I may be over reacting. How involved (expensive is the repair) By the way great boating weather this past weekend in socal.

[msbhammer]

Slight flexing shouldnt be a problem. Do what MJ said to do. Drill a couple 1/4 in ch holes inside of the transom, if you find wet wood, you have a future big repair, unless you do it yourself. If teh wood is dry, your ok.
Take a few pics. of your V and transom. ;)

[reelapeelin]

Tilt the motor up and apply your weight to the foot...and LISTEN ...if you HEAR fiberglass cracklin' let up and dig deep, the wood inside has rotted to the point that only fiberglass is supportin' the motor ... if you no hear anything, then wood is still strong ;)

[Geekie1]

Boomsurf,

Kicker shaft length on a V needs to be at least 20". Even though the V20 is a fairly deep, (18") deep V hull, mounting a 15" kicker to the port or starboard side of the transom will definitely cavitate and the powerhead will be too vulnerable to following waves.

Geek

[Hammerhead]

I hava 20" johnson 6hp kicker. I don't think 15" would work.