View Full Version : Kicker for Ranger 617
Otter
11-10-2003, 07:36 AM
When I took my boat in for winterizing I asked the dealer about installing a kicker. He said Ranger doesn't recommend this due to potential listing problems. This really surprised me. I was thinking about a Yammie 8 hp and they don't weigh that much as far as I'm concerned. Does anyone have a kicker on a 617? Is this a good installation, or a potential problem? If okay, what brand of mounting bracket, with or without power trim and how much would it cost? Who in northern MN would be a good dealer for the installation?
fshrman-r72
11-10-2003, 02:13 PM
I have a 2003 Ranger 617 with T-8 kicker and it does not present a problem in balance. It is mounted on the left side, if you by chance have a boarding ladder the T-8 can be mounted on the right side. I have second set of controls at drivers seat located just under the main engine controls. The cabels to engine go through the side panel and then out through the outlet where main engine cabels go to main engine. The engine has trim and tilt and is mounted on a bracket. I have a strap that attaches to the large eye ring on the transom that goes around the lower unit on the T-8 to keep kicker from bouncing when traveling on water or when towing. When using kicker I hook up a tie bar to main engine to steer. The bracket the kicker is mounted on is mfg by R&R Design in Texas. The T-8 is T8PLRB. I think my dealer got mounting bracket fron Ranger but not sure. There should not be a problem with weight. I love the T-8 and it is a great kicker for a 617. Good luck in your decision.
My Dad always said
"When everything fails read the directions"
Big Sky
11-10-2003, 04:05 PM
I have the T-8 also and no listing whatsoever. Mine is mounted on the port side with a Ranger bracket. Great motor for that boat and others. You will not be disappointed.
Otter
11-11-2003, 06:25 AM
Thanks r72 and Big Sky. I'd like the kicker on the port side for better weight balance, but I already have the boarding ladder there. Anyone have the kicker on the starboard side?
I would have to say that the guy who gave you that advice about listing of a 617 with a kicker is just plain wrong. My 617 has a 9.9 Merc 4-stroke mounted on a Ranger installed bracket on the starboard side. There has never been a hint of any listing on my rig.
If you want a kicker, get it and enjoy your boat!
Walleye and Roosters
11-11-2003, 06:53 PM
If your 617 came from the factory with starting battery and one of the trolling batterys in the starboard compartment and you put a trolling motor on the starboard side it will have a bad lisp. So is what you need to do is take out all 3 battery and start over. (not a big deal) Start by taking off the back access covers on the deck, find the wires for the troll battery to starboard side and add a length of wire to reach the port side. Need to arrange battery holders so you can fit oil tank and 2 batterys in the port storage. May have to loosen oil container to slide in second battery. Take storage battery holder and slide all tight to bake of starboard storage and wall-a look at all the new storage you have gained. Your tiller troll moter handel will work much better on the starboard side then the port. Good luck time to go after Roosters now.
Walleye and Roosters
11-11-2003, 07:21 PM
JJ--Do you have a 24 volt electric trolling motor?
Walleye & Roosters:
My 617 has a 24 V trolling motor in the bow. Both deep cycle batteries are located on the port side, I wanted the kicker located on the starboard side because I steer it with the tiller handle and I sit on the rear deck. It works well for me. I have never noticed any listing.