Kicker-Bolt it or use clamps?

[Nordicron]

Hey got my t-8 kicker but have a problem with being able to bolt through transom. I can't get to the inside of transom without having to do some access cutting or trying to remove my whole rear deck(major work). Is it just ok to use the clamps? Most small outboards are just clamped on and they don't seem to fall off. What do you guys do that can't or don't want to bolt on?

[Phil T.]

My kicker has been clamped to the transom of my boat for 17 years. I wish I could bolt it, but it's not possible. The clamp handles are kept from loosening with use of one of those locks that surround the handles.

[Fin Addict]

Having had 2 small outboards stolen in the last 10 years, I would bolt and then weld the bolts. Both of my stolen motors were clamped and locked. The lock on the second one was cut in seconds as I walked into my folks house to say hi. If you do not bolt on, plan on removing the motor from the rig each night if you leave the boat outside or its just a matter of time before it will be on someone elses boat.

[Husky]

The extra security of bolts is encouraged. If you cannot through bolt, you can always use lag bolts, screwing into the transom material. bBe sure to use silicone in the hole before screwing the bolt in, and the silicone will act as a thread lubricant so be carefull not to over tighten and strip them. When the silicone hardens, the bolt will definitely not work loose. In rough water a bolted motor is far less prone to suddenly come off the transom and go swimming! Good Luck.

[RANGER]

Sad but true Fin Addict! :'( This boat has the kicker bolted to it. My previous boat was clamped. Fortunately, the kicker didn't get stolen as a number of them do every year, BUT, I think having it chained, with heavy chain and 2 Master locks, to the big motor might have discouraged would-be thieves. This might be a solution for you, Nordicron. Just a thought! The chain never got in the way of anything.

[Nordicron]

Thanks for the replies, I am not as much concerned about it getting stolen(always stored inside) as I am about the darn thing flying off the back when on the trailer or running around the lake. I could use lag bolts but I would like the option to remove kicker when out sking or tubing with the family. Thanks.

[Robertp]

I was in the same boat (so, to speak) and did not want to bolt thru. I used the the clamps and, so far, have not had a problem, even on lake Erie. I do take it as easy as possible in the rough stuff. I worry more about the pin keeping the motor tilted than about the motor coming off. I wish someone knew of a bracket for strapping the motor that did not require bolting thru the transom. Also, buy one of the rubber pads, I think made by Perko, before you clamp, to keep from marring the finish on your boat.

[Husky]

If bolting doesn't fit your needs and you are primarily interested in keeping it on the transom, here's something I have used.
Get some aluminum track, like the Tite-Loc or Bert's Custom Tackle track. Drill holes for securing to your transom on the inside of the boat so the motor clamps rest on the center of the track. The lips of the track will keep a motor with losened clamps from sliding up and off the transom. The clamps will catch on the lip and keep the motor from taking a dive.
If your transom and plate combination are very thick, you may have to grind a little of the lip away so you can "slide" the motor clamps in from the side (try to keep the lip intact directly over the mounting clamps).
Be sure to use enough silicone on the mounting screws/holes, and a sufficient number of screws to mount the track.
Hope this might help.

[Robertp]

Good thought Husky, thanks for the tip.