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We have the new boat on order. I would like to install a 3.5 hp Mercury 4-stroke on the starboard side. I guess i could mount a fixed Garelick bracket, but I'd rather mount it directly on the transom if possible.

I realize I will have to install a board on the outside to shim up above the rub rail. Is there enough lip on the top to accept the bracket clamps?

If I have to install a bracket, how long do the bolts have to be? (the transom looks pretty thick, viewing from the access hole)

Anyone have pics of a similar setup?

TIA

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With the advent of modern 4-stroke engines, you don't see kickers used as much anymore. Nowadays you can throttle down the main engine and it still performs very efficiently. You'd probably have about 3-5 hp at low rpm -- just like the kicker! And with less clutter on the transom.

So I'm curious about your rationale for the kicker, on a smaller boat like the Monrauk 150?

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I have a Mercury 9.9hp kicker on my 2015 Montauk 170. I bought the bracket from Tanner Mfg. http://www.tannermfg.com/motorbrackets. A little pricey but a solid product. Works great don't even notice it when it is up. Mine is though bolted with 3 bolts above the step and three below.

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I have to second JRP's question - why do you need a kicker? The 60 on your new Montauk only burns 0.2 gallons per hour at lowest trolling speed and I would be surprised if the 3.5 burns less than that.

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Thanks for the tip. I'll contact Tanner.

The best fishing spots in my area are within sight of Niagara Falls. You can see the mist rising. That is no place for a motor failure. About 45 years ago I had a brand new OB fail due to a factory defect. The next day I installed a kicker. Every boat since then has had one. In subsequent years the kicker has brought me home twice. Both times it was on a brand new boat. Warranty means nothing if you're adrift.

Yes we have 2 anchors aboard. Yes we have a SeaTow membership. Yes we have a VHF. For me a Kicker is not an option. Just my opinion.

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Nobody's trying to talk you out of it, just interested in why you need one, because it no longer makes sense for most people. However, your situation is different.

If I was fishing above any size waterfall, I would want a kicker And I would make sure the kicker was well maintained, and start it every day before I left the dock.

I might even want two kickers - maybe you should ditch the 60 and put on twin 40s? That boat is not exactly overpowered, it would easily handle the extra ponies.

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Now that we have all that straightened out...

It's funny, my local **** dealer sells only aluminum fishing boats, and I can't remember seeing one in his showroom that DIDN'T have a kicker.

Anyhoot...still looking for some representative pics.

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I agree with Mjfnet, the Tanner bracket is a very good choice for any 150 or 170 models and maybe a few others.
Here is one mounted on another members 170
http://www.whalercentral.com/infusion...r_id=11649

I always preferred a kicker for fishing.
I trolled from 6 to 8 hours a day fishing.
Regardless of 2 stroke or 4 stroke main engine, I would rather put 2,000 hours on a less expensive kicker motor then putting 2,000 hours trolling on a $12k or more motor.
Everyone has different uses.
Almost every Whaler I owned had a kicker.
http://www.whalercentral.com/infusion...?user_id=4

A kicker also gives peace of mind when boating in areas with lousy Cell Phone/Marine Radio service and absolutely no Tow services available.
http://users.sisqtel.net/~jkriz/Outra...rage22.jpg

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Now we're getting somewhere. The Tanner you show on a 170 is not a Tanner, but actually a Garelick. In fact, it's the one i had in mind.

I share your enthusiasm for Kickers. My "family boat" is used often in Lake Ontario for salmon trolling. The 9.9 is a 1984 model (so is the boat) and after about 650 hours she still runs like new. The Mercruiser has about 1250 hours. I would not have wanted to add all that running time at idle speed.

We're looking forward to the Montauk. It will be mainly for smaller water and vacation traveling. Also, my first experience with a 4-stroke OB.

Thanks so much for taking the time to post the pics.

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Yes, you are correct.
Tanner and Garelick make something very similar.

Garelick
http://www.garelick.com/Eez-In-Statio...or-Bracket

Tanner
http://www.tannermfg.com/motorbracketsorbrackets

I have no idea on the pricing.

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All my large whalers had Kickers. Something many don't think about is striking a large object. With twins you could take out both engines. In the spring a lot of big logs and timber come out of the rivers and go way offshore. Also joe has a good point about putting hours on the main engine.With 2 seasons on my new 115 Etec It cost me $900 for the 300 hour service, Ouch, Ouch. I think I will run my kicker on the way out of the harbor which would save many hours over the season.

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My use of the kicker is for trolling for salmon for 6 to 8 hours a day. Don't want those hours on my main motor when the kickers are relatively cheap. I don't think you will be sorry with the Tanner they are a solid product made out of heavy stainless steel. It just takes a little ingenuity to place it with the rear step and limit access in the transom.

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I bought a Garelick for $60. The quote I got from Tanner was $525.00.