Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: kicker bracket

Posted by joe wethington on 06/16/11 - 9:55 AM
#1

do you think 1/4 inch stainless steel bolts will hold 8hp motor? if not what size to use?

Posted by Tom W Clark on 06/16/11 - 10:26 AM
#2

You might want to explain what you are asking because it is not clear.

Most 8 HP motors are secured with their mounting clamps, sometimes supplemented with a pair of 1/4" or 5/16" auxiliary bolts.

If you are asking what size bolts should secure a kicker bracket to the boat, then the answer is whatever size bolts the kicker bracket takes. I would expect them to be 3/8" or 1/2".

Posted by joe wethington on 06/16/11 - 11:18 AM
#3

tom what i mean the bracket came with 1//4 in bolts to secure it to the boat transom. i was wondering if those were big enough to hold the weight.or should idrill bigger holes and get larger bolts?

Posted by Tom W Clark on 06/16/11 - 12:01 PM
#4

The bolts themselves will probably be more than strong enough but you should pay close attention to spreading the load, especially of the top bolts, across as much of the inside of the transom as possible.

I would use double fender washers or make a load distribution plate out of aluminum or stainless steel.

I am a bit surprised though that the manufacturer of a kicker bracket would only provide for 1/4" diameter bolts. What brand/model of bracket is it?

Posted by Joe Kriz on 06/16/11 - 12:04 PM
#5

I see a bracket already mounted on your Montauk 170 in your personal page.

Is something happening to it?

Posted by joe wethington on 06/16/11 - 12:58 PM
#6

no i have not got a chance to use it yet. im haven second thoughts will it hold the weight.

Posted by Tom W Clark on 06/16/11 - 2:00 PM
#7

Again, what brand and model of bracket is it?

Posted by joe wethington on 06/16/11 - 4:38 PM
#8

tom it is made by raymond martin he does beautiful work .im just sure about 1/4 inch bolts.

Posted by Tom W Clark on 06/16/11 - 5:25 PM
#9

Ah, if it is like the one shown here:

http://www.whalercentral.com/infusion...er_id=4987

I would NOT use it to support an 8 HP four stroke long shaft kicker. Never mind the 1/4" bolts, as beautiful and well made as that bracket is, the mounting base is FAR too small for that lever arm and weight.

Posted by Gamalot on 06/16/11 - 6:56 PM
#10

I agree Tom! It is a pretty bracket and if the unit itself is strong enough I would mount it on a 12" X 12" aluminum plate 3/16" thick and increase the bolts to 3/8" with heavy fender washers inside. As it is I would not go much above a 3 HP motor on that bracket. Even then I would have a safety line securing the motor in case of failure.

Posted by joe wethington on 06/17/11 - 4:41 AM
#11

i would like to think everone for the information on the 1/4 inch bolts.