installing a kicker on a swim grid

Status
Not open for further replies.
H

Halcyon

Member
Joined
Apr 3, 2018
Messages
6
Fluid Motion Model
C-24 C
We are in the process of buying a 29 S and want to add a 25 hp Yamaha kicker/get home/trolling motor.
I want to install it on the swim grid. What do I need to hang the motor of the grid?
Also, I would like to have a set of shift/throttle start controls by the helm as well as at the rear steering location
Has anyone done this
Thanks
 
Hi:

You will love your 29S! I have a 31CB and absolutely love it. Same drivetrain I believe.

I have the same issue and have scoured the earth to find a solution. I have come up empty so far. There is a “Panther” bracket that through bolts to the swim platform. It would work, sort of. I was hoping for a folding bracket that could be used to raise the motor up and out of the way when not in use. For what I can find out this is a custom build. There is also the issue of load on the swim platform and several have mentioned that the bracket may need to be tied into the transom. On another boat I had a 15 Mercury 4 stroke that was stored in the cockpit. I had an outdrive failure and had to deploy it in 4 foot seas. It was very difficult and dangerous but I was really glad I had it. It pushed the boat along at 4 knots which was enough to get back from 20 miles out but took 5 hours. After that I realized that it was better than nothing but not that practical. I’m stubborn so I still research this from time to time and occasionally do drawings to try to come up with a way to do this.

Many say that Sea Tow and Tow Boat US are less expensive. I do agree but my objection is that in a dead engine situation I want to be able to at least keep the vessel into the waves. I have considered electric alternatives. That is expensive and has its limitations. I have considered using a dingy as a Tow vessel. There are some small outboards that could at least provide some control and can be handled easily but they wouldn’t get you home. I did see a bracket that is sort of like a ladder that has a winch in it. It attaches to the top of the rear of the cockpit and then to the lip of the swim platform. Cranking the winch from the cockpit raises or lowers the outboard so that it is vertical while pulling the car holding the outboard up and over the swim platform. Innovative and I liked it but it takes up a third of the swim platform.

I have looked at using a stainless receiver hitch mounted on the platform and have a outboard mount welded to the end so I could deploy it by sliding the hitch together and putting the pin in it for a simple (hopefully) deployment should I need it.

The main reason I don’t like the bolt on brackets is that they stick out past the platform even without the outboard deployed. Another issue is having to carry gas (we’re diesel) which is another issue to deal with and store.

There is also the issue of where to store the outboard, not a big deal but will require another bracket or a jig to lay it on in the cockpit locker.

If our boats were gas and has an outboard this is much easier with a kicker bracket.

There are options for remote steering.

I hope I have passed along what I have learned so far. There is a thread or two about brackets but they weren’t much help.

So far most advice is to get Sea Tow and be diligent about maintenance.

Looking forward to continuing this discussion.
 
Hi

We have a 2017 R29CB with a 25 hp Yamaha installed on the swim grid. Ours was installed by Port Boat House in Port Alberni, BC. The system is fully integrated to the boat, including steering, controls, fuel systems (filter & gauges) and a blower to exhaust fumes from the engine compartment where the fuel tank is located. With ours steering is either the inside helm, command bridge or the cockpit but throttle and ignition is only from the cockpit. We have only a few hours on it but from what we've experienced so far the boat manoeuvers well at about 5 knots in clam water. The new (2018) Yamaha is smaller and 40 lbs lighter than previous versions so it fits well on the modified swim grid. There is a lot involved in this install when, in addition to what is mentioned above, you consider the changes (brackets, transom support and stainless railings) required and that made it costly but well integrated add-on when done by the pros.

Good luck.

Peter
 
Just bought a 10-year-old R25 with an outboard mount. Originally we wondered whit is this ? See photo. Our Tug oroginally came from BC, so someone there crafted the bracket. It's bolted to the platform AND four more bolts secure the mount to the transom. Maybe we could take it off Chaya and sell it to you. Sure does not fit in our plans.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

  • Tugnuts.com is the community hub for Ranger Tug, Cutwater, and Solara owners. Since its inception in 2008, the Tugnuts forum has grown into an active and thriving community of more than 9,000 members. It serves as both a meeting place for the best boating community online, and an invaluable archive of information.

  • User menu
Back
Top