View Full Version : Kicker Support ?'s
I know this subject has been mentioned several times before, but this is all new to me. Have my boat in the shop now having 9.9 Merc tiller, w/panther tilt installed. Will the panther system provide enough support and stability in rough conditions or should I consider extra tie downs or bracket pro. Just looking for some advice from some people with more experience with the issue. Thanks in advance.
C.L.
Ben wondering same thing?
04-02-2002, 03:09 PM
Im in your position also. Having the lift installed on my 620. Was wondering if it is enough support? i will be running waters liek green bay and winnebago. How are you others running ur kickers on the panther? Also what gear is the motor in whil running tilted up?
Yes, the Panther is plenty strong, you will not need a Bracket Pro support. I would recommend getting the strap that Panther offers. When you tilt up the strap tightens against the kicker and keeps it from bouncing. When you trim down the strap is short enough that it stays out of the way of the prop. I think it's called the "Pro Strap" or something along those lines.
Best Regards,
FJH
Does the "pro strap" come standard with the lift? i hope so i have my lift orderd and cant call it in to change it. If not how much is it?
I don't know if the strap comes with the lift. I think they ran about $20.00.
Best Regards,
FJH
The strap does not come standard. Its $30.00 I think
Is the Strap needed or no? i run waters that can kick up fairly rough but i dont push my rig to the limits at all. Do you think a bungee cord woudl do the trick? thanks ben
I have always strapped my kicker. I will be installing my Panther lift this week and I am planning on going with the strap as well. I guess the piece of mind that I'm doing what I can to protect my investment is worth it to me, after all whats $30.00?? You can't even get a tank of gas for that anymore. My 2 cents
larrym
04-02-2002, 07:48 PM
You need the strap and they are inexpensive. Have to see it to understand but with the motor tilted up the strap makes it rock solid. The strap stays connected in the up or down position. Once it's adjusted you forget it and it does it's job.
Ok, so you need the strap to run this set up? Woudl a bungee strap work when it is tilted up or just a ratchet strap? i currently have a ratchet on my bracket pro and was wondering if it woudl work on the panther? where are there holes to put the hooks in to secure it? are they big enough to put the "hook" style hook through??
walleyes13
04-02-2002, 08:43 PM
Can anyone tell me what the web address is for bracket pro. Can anyone also tell me about their experiences with one. Any info would be helpful.
Thanks
EYES GUY
04-02-2002, 09:17 PM
Bracket pro's web address is www.hnet.net~bracketpro
Bracket pro is a support system for your kicker motor.
It does exactly that. It is a very good product with a life time
warranty. Cost is around $170.00
The Panther is a completley different product that is also a good
product. If you plan on running with a Panther you will need the PRO STRAP,the bunge cord will not do. I believe they run around $450.00.
You need to take a look at both products and deside what is right for you.
A big difference in price. Two different products support, or lift.
scoffel
04-03-2002, 05:07 AM
For a fairly handy guy is the panther lift simple enough to install myself?
Yes, the lift is not difficult to install, quite easy in fact.
Get the Panther strap. A bungee cord will not do the job. The idea behind the strap is that when you tilt the bracket up it applies pressure against the kicker and holds it rock solid. With a bungee cord the kicker can bounce. When you come off a big wave the kicker can drag in the swell on the downside and this applies a lot of upward force, much more than a bungee can counteract, this is the number one cause of engine bracket failure. Also, don't go with a ratchet strap, you have to lean over the transom to racthet it down. The Panther strap is designed such that you trim up the lift and you're done.
Best Regards,
FJH