Panther or CMC lift

[FreeByrd]

It's decision time on a heavy duty power lift for my kicker (9.9 four stroke Yamaha). This will be mounted on my 25' Carolina Classic which has a Bravo 3 outdrive for the main motor. Flat backed transom so it won't be a conventional mount. I expect to need an extra setback plate for either mount. I understand the Panther Model 35 by itself can be adjusted for 13 inches of setback and they have a 3 inch spacer for additional setback. The CMC has 5 1/2 inches of setback and they have an extension setback plate for either 7 or 9 inches. I need the setback to clear the transom when the motor tilts up.

I know the Panther lift is very popular for the 19 to 20 foot tournament style boats. Looking for some feedback on the CMC units. Are there any major differences between the two lifts to consider.

Also - I use an EZ Steer bracket to connect my kicker to the Bravo outdrive now, and leave it connected all the time. Will this still work with the Panther or CMC lifts? From what I can tell, it should but would appreciate any comments from anyone with first hand experience. My current setup is a Garelick Heavy Duty Offshore manual bracket. I'm not happy with this. Bounces around too much. Bracket Pro may help but I understand I can't leave the EZ Steer connected and use the Bracket Pro.

Also what's a good price for either unit, and what should I figure for installation costs.

Thanks for any tips. (sorry for double post on here and Boats & Motor discussion board but I want to get as many responses as possible.)

Thanks

Steve Carlson
steve199132@yahoo.com

[Arkie eye jerker]

I just had a CMC lift put on a G3 boat with 55HP yamaha. The cost of the unit, tax and installation was 483$. Have just had it on a couple of weeks, but no problems so far.

[FreeByrd]

Arkie,
Thanks for the reply. Was this the model 35 CMC lift or one of the bigger ones?
Thanks

[Arkie eye jerker]

It was the larger one. I do quite a bit of business with the boat mechanic that got it for me. The lift system I had on my boat was a piece of junk. The mechanic told me that he ordered lift unit from Alabama where they were running a special on them. I believe he said his cost was 385$. I was well pleased with the cost.

[JimF]

I have used the Panther Model 35 lift since last May on a Crestliner 1850 I/O with a 15hp 4 stroke Merc and am very happy with it. I also use the EZ steer connection and am pleased with it. I leave it connected all of the time and travel a lot of gravel roads and it seems to hold up well. The dealer that installed the Panther made a 2 inch set back plate rather than pay the price for the one from Panther.

[FreeByrd]

Jim,
Thanks for the additional feedback. Is yours set up in the position with 13 inches of setback on the unit plus the additional 2 inches from the dealers plate? One of the things I'm curious about is when the Panther is in the position with the 13 inches of setback, is it any less solid.
Thanks
Steve

[Bradnd]

I have the panther lift for my 9.9 4-stroke mounted on a tyee. Have the rod connected to both motors at all times. No problem what so ever. I've used the lift in below freezing temps & works well.
I bought mine from a guy that had won it, so I got a good deal. Otherwise, I was leaning towards the cmc-35 lift from cabelas. Was cheaper than the panther. Both brands are well built.

Take care,

Brad

[Gumbo]

Brad, what steering rod connector do you have? Does it have an S bend to accommodate the setback of the Panther? Which Tyee? I have a Tyee 1950 that I'm planning to put one on. Would appreciate any comments.

[Bradnd]

Dennis... I'm not exactly sure what brand they are, but I looked in Cabelas & they just call it a motor connector rod. It is connected to the steering arm of my main engine to the front of the kicker bracket. I had a bracket made, about 3-4 inches long that is bolted to the kicker. The rod is straight, no bend. They are made to be bent & shortened if needed. I used to have one mounted to a bracket on the front of my main engine, which had to have a slight bend in it to accommodate the setback. I switched over to the arm mount. My rod is probably about 18 inches long, just guessing. I keep the ball joints greased to limit the vibration from the motors.
My boat is a '93 1850 tyee.
Hope this helps!

take care,

Brad