Kicker shaft length question

[keith]

Hi All,

I have a 72 23' Seacraft SF with an I/O and I want to add a kicker to it. I'm looking at the Yamaha 9.9 high thrust but not sure about the shaft length. They have regular, long, and extended long (I think that's what they call it). To mount the bracket I think I have to cut into the bait bins. How far down should the kicker hang below the bottom of the boat? Has anyone done this and have advice for length of shaft and/or bracket height?
Planning on cutting the swim platform where the bracket will be going.
Here is the bracket I have. https://adventuremarine.ca/product/h...motor-bracket/


Thanks,
Keith

[bigeasy1]

I have that same kicker bracket on my 74 23 Tsunami. Ive used every other kicker brackets on my previous boats and the adventure brkt is by far the best.More than strong enough to take the beatings when the conditions suck and it also has a nice long setback so you can trim the kicker all the way out of the water.
Im running a T8 8hp Yamaha high thrust 20 inch long shaft four stroke with power trim and remote start.
The 20" shaft is plenty long enough for the Tsunami and does a great job trolling all day in seas up to 3 feet. if the conditions suck (seas over 3 to 4ft) ill throw out the trolling bags and use the out drive.
Cant say enough on how good that little Yamaha is it purrs like a kitten and trolls beautifully.
I also like the security of having another form of power in case the I/O craps out.
Top speed is only about 6-7 MPH but it got me home on one occasion from many miles out when I spun the coupling on the I/O.


BTW I have the the anti cavitation plate flush with the bottom of the Tsunami's hull. works well for me

I think you'll be happy with the setup you seem to have decided on. Good luck

[keith]

Originally Posted by bigeasy1

I have that same kicker bracket on my 74 23 Tsunami. Ive used every other kicker brackets on my previous boats and the adventure brkt is by far the best.More than strong enough to take the beatings when the conditions suck and it also has a nice long setback so you can trim the kicker all the way out of the water.
Im running a T8 8hp Yamaha high thrust 20 inch long shaft four stroke with power trim and remote start.
The 20" shaft is plenty long enough for the Tsunami and does a great job trolling all day in seas up to 3 feet. if the conditions suck (seas over 3 to 4ft) ill throw out the trolling bags and use the out drive.
Cant say enough on how good that little Yamaha is it purrs like a kitten and trolls beautifully.
I also like the security of having another form of power in case the I/O craps out.
Top speed is only about 6-7 MPH but it got me home on one occasion from many miles out when I spun the coupling on the I/O.


BTW I have the the anti cavitation plate flush with the bottom of the Tsunami's hull. works well for me

I think you'll be happy with the setup you seem to have decided on. Good luck

Thank you for your reply. Your setup sounds great. I am mainly wanting the kicker for getting home and/or out of trouble in rough seas if the main goes out. It sounds like you have been down that road. If you had a long shaft, do you think it would dip in the water when tilted up all the way? If you don't mind me asking, how far up from the bottom is your motor mount or how far below the bottom does your motor hang?
you put an anti cavitation plate on your outdrive? I get air in the prop a few times a day in rough seas and need to stop and reverse to get it out. Is the plate for that issue?

Thanks,
Keith

[bigeasy1]

I meant the antiventilation plate on the kicker not the outdrive. So i have it almost flush with the bottom of the hull.I actually think i could have dropped it a bit deeper.
I typically troll from 2to 5 Mph with the kicker.
If it gets rough i will troll with the outdrive but I have to throw out a drift bag off each side to slow me down and keep and keep the RPMS and oil pressure up on the sterndrive engine(350 mercruiser).
I can tip the kicker all the way out of the water, when we are running back to port or waypoint. There have been a few times when either engine will get some air in the props but it's rare. It usually happens when its nasty and as i get older (I'm 73) it just becomes a pia to stay out and fish in those crappy conditions. that's when im heading back to port for a beer.