Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: 1969 16'/17' is a 25" 6hp kicker too long?

Posted by gypsmjim on 01/02/18 - 5:53 PM
#13

Joe Kriz wrote:
gypsmjim wrote:
Although not the same boat model, this year I mounted a kicker on my Montauk. By all my measurements I needed a long shaft. The motor lined up and performed very well, but when tilted up it dragged in the water at almost every speed. I ended up trading in a brand new motor to get a short shaft version.

As long as the propeller is below the boat in running mode, I would get the shortest shaft you can.


That is not correct.
You had something wrong and you don't even tell us what year or model kicker you were trying to use.
20 inch Long shaft is what Whaler recommends mounted directly on the transom.
I had no difficulties like you mentioned. 1988 Evinrude 8hp
http://users.sisqtel.net/~jkriz/Monta...ntauk.html

Would not even consider a short shaft on any Montauk.


Its a 2017 150 Montauk. The kicker is a 2017 Mercury 3.5 HP 4-stroke.

I would have preferred a direct transom mount, but it was not possible since there was not enough room. I ended up having to mount a Garelick bracket.

Its a fixed mount bracket, so I need to tilt the motor up when not in use. With my homemade SS fixture the motor is rock steady when tilted. A second fixture connects the kicker and main for mutual steering.

The long shaft worked fine when running, but way too much drag when up. The short shaft provided no speed or performance change, but it was the only practical alternative.