How to mount kicker motor on 25' Chris Craft

[Tom]

Does anyone have an idea how to mount a kicker motor on a 1978 25' Chris Craft with the swimplatform on the boat? is there anyway to mount the motor to the platform itself? has anyone seen this done?
any suggestions greatly appreciated!

Tom

[perchjerker]

Hey Tom-
Yes, its do-able. I had a 22 ft trophy with a swim platform.

Couple questions first.

What kicker do you have? Is it elect start, remote control, etc.

Does the platform run all the way across the back?

[Tom Thompson]

Hey perchjerker,
Thanks for the reply.

The kicker I was thinking about using is an older WestBend electric start 25hp without the tiller handle. It's an oldie but runs great. Another motor I have that I could use is an 18hp Evinrude with tiller handle, pull start. The swim platform does go all the way across the back. The Chris Craft has just a shaft and prop that runs under the boat. The steering is done with a rudder, the shaft and prop are fixed. The boat will be used on Lake Erie.

I was wondering if I could steer with the steering wheel using the rudder with only the kicker running or maybe I would be going too slow for the rudder and have to use the kicker to steer with.

How did you mount your motor up? and how did you steer, throttle,etc.?

I really appreciate any information!

Thanks,
Tom

[perchjerker]

Hey I remember those motors!
Kinda reminded me of a blender or something. My buddy had one, if its what Im thinking about.

They do make an "L" shaped bracket for swim platform mounting.

As far as steering, you could get a panther electric steer unit, and they also make a throttle unit, too, and a electric lift. But by the time you buy all that, you might as well get a newer motor. Its a tough choice, no easy answers, Im afraid.

I had a volvo outdrive, my swim platform didnt go all the way across the back, only about 3/4s. So I just mounted a spring loaded aux bracket, the motor was right at the transom, then, and I could control it no problem.
You might want to consider shortening your platform, if its bolted on. Might be the cheapest way to go.

[FreeByrd]

Tom,
I replied to you post on the General Discussion forum about a mounting bracket I've seen on some Grady Whites. Gave the name & number of the Grady dealer in the other post.

My boat has a swimplatform that the guy before me cut off to make room for a kicker mounted on one of the spring loaded brackets. It works but it looks goofy.

Steve