Power Tilt/Trim for kicker

[CEEBEE]

I have a 9.9 kicer and am looking for input and/or experience with various models. I see MinnKota makes on that looks simple to install and is relatively inexpensive. Any thoughts?
Thanks

[Rocko]

Depends on the weight of the kicker. MinnKota should be ok for most

[Bob Ritt]

Ceebee, I've been using the CMC Hyd. lift & trim on my Triton with a 15hp. 4 stroke..I can raise or lower it from the drivers seat.. Used it one season & no problems at all.. I dont know if it costs more than the Minn-Kota unit.. but I'll bet it's made better..CMC makes great quality Jack Plates..I also have their Unit on my 225.. Great quality and no problems.. I would look them over before you buy any unit.. Hope this helps...Tight Lines, Bob Ritt

[FISH 24 7]

Don't forget to take a look at Panther too. They make a great unit that many of the pros are using on the circuits. I'm not a pro or sponsored by them in any way, just satisfied with mine!

Mark Gilbertson

[Brad/nd]

cb.... I am also looking at a new power lift for my 9.9. The 3 aftermarkets all seem pretty reliable, minnkota, panther, & cmc. The best price I've found is the cmc for $359.00. The other 2 run a little higher, close to $500. I am not real sure on warrany issues, but will do more looking. The specs on the cmc seem impressive, lots of thrust & high tilt.

Take care,

Brad

[CEEBEE]

Brad, Thanks, Cabelas has the MinnKota at $289.00. $398.00 on the CMC. I like the clamp on idea rather than drilling.The CMC looks more substantial , however, has a 5.5 inch setback which will put the kicker wt. furthur back. not sure that matters.

[Mark M]

After my second mercury lift went out and was replaced under warrenty, I got a panther an have never looked back. The panther is sturdy and reliable. I have also heard good things about the cmc. I would not consider the minnkota because is has a lower weight capacity. Do you have a heavy 4 stroke kicker? I do, and also fish some rough water where a clamp on will just not cut it. the Mercury lifts would keep falling down, the jarring from the waves was more than the hydraulic cylinder could take. (kind of like my mercury trim and tilt on my XR6 but that is another subject).
Mark

[Doc (wi)]

I have run the Panther and the CMC lift. The CMC lift is in my humble opinion the better of the two units. Range of motion, drive system and the look of the CMC made up my mind to stay with that system. My sponsoring boat dealer rigs a lot of CMC jack plates on V6 motors and they get good ratings from the boat owners and our mechanical staff as does the PT-35. We also rig a lot of Panther lifts for kicker motors and I see lots of guys who are very happy with them also. Ask the mechanic at your local dealer for a straight answer also.

Good Luck,

Joel "Doc" Kunz

[Brad/nd]

cb.... I would shy away from that model made by minnkota. The minnkota I was referring to is the 4500? model, I think thats the right #, but the one you mentioned is the clamp-on which I believe is run by an elec. actuater. I have one similar to that right now, but is not a clamp-on, & I wouldn't recommend it to my worst enemy! Very slow raising, poor seals, water in the cylinder housing, not a good long term investment. If $ is a big issue for you, I would seriously look at the cmc model 35. It is a sealed hydraulic lift with over 7000# of thrust.
I wouldn't be afraid to drill holes in the transom, it may save your kicker from falling to the bottom of the lake. My kicker is also bolted on to the power lift, which they do recommend.
The setback is not a problem on most boats, actually gives you a little better boat control.
Personally, I think you will be much happier with a cmc, or panther, if you can afford it.

Good luck!

Brad

[Scott D]

Doc, and/or Bob Ritt -

Do you guys have manual jackplates or hydraulic on your Tritons? How much does it improve the performance? I am considering installing a 4" setback manual jackplate on my Triton but I was hoping to hear from others who have ran the boat with a plate. If you prefer to email me directly my email is jerisco@home.com; thanks.