C28 Kicker - Advice Needed

[Headlee]

Our goal is to have a 25HP kicker added to our C28 inboard diesel to be used primarily for fishing/trolling, but also as backup propulsion. I've read many of the posts here, but I stil have the following questions:

• Ideally, we would like to have it connected to the existing steering so we can use the Garmin autopilot. Has anyone accomplished this? What are the alternatives?
• How have you mounted it to the swim platform? I was thinking of adding a bracket without cutting out / notching the platform. Any recommendations on brackets? Has anyone used a torsion bracket for lifting and lowering the kicker? Short shaft or long shaft kicker?
• Where have you placed the gas can?
• Any recommendations on Puget Sound boatyards that have experience doing this?
• Yamaha, Mercury, Honda, etc.? I’m looking for the lightest in weight to minimize the aft drag.

Any photos would be appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[Submariner]

Here's a photo I took of a C28 with a Yamaha F25 installed. Photo taken at the Prince Rupert Rowing Yacht Club, in Prince Rupert, BC.

 

[Headlee]

Thanks for the photo! It's a little hard to tell, but it looks like a 20" shaft.

 

[Submariner]

Thanks for the photo! It's a little hard to tell, but it looks like a 20" shaft.

I found some more pics I took of this boat. I hope these help.