Kicker on a Simmons Sea Skiff

[henryblowery]

Anybody done it? I've got plans for the 22'. I want to put a kicker on it and am trying to decide what the best way to do that is. Widening the motor well, or placing a bracket on the transom. Ideas? Thanks.

Gray

[henryblowery]

Nobody's done this/has any ideas or suggestions?

Gray

[skaraborgcraft]

Personally......i would have some kind of slot in bracket on the stern. I would only have a small motor that could be kept in a locker. Best to have a reliable engine,keep your fuel fresh,your tanks clean, and have good water seperation and fuel filters,with spare filters on board.Most modern outboards will only go down due to a fuel or electronics problem. Get yourself a British Seagull as an auxillary. Cheers

[jackster]

Gary,
Have not done this, but my opinion is that if you widen the well enough for another OB, it pretty much takes up way too much room, even on the 22'er.
I have helped build 2-17's and a 20' and it never occured to either the owners or builders to widen the wells. Seems the idea of the design is to keep the OB well down to the bear minimum to aid performance. But just my guess.
It will be interesting to hear what others, who own and have built Simmons' have to say.
So I guess that leaves a transom mount?
Sometimes it takes a while for these threads to be noticed. Be patient, there is no lack of well informed opinion on the way.
(Oh, while you are waiting, I advise you to avoid the Bilge ) Plenty of build, design, people and misc, to keep you entertained.

[skaraborgcraft]

Jackster is right, you cannot widen the well without seriously effecting the performance,it wasnt designed that way. Erster is the forum member you may want to PM about it......or Pipefitter. Bracket is the logical choice.

[fishdog]

Hi Grey, I measured the height of my 8 horse from cav plate to top of motor case. 3 feet. so if you do put a bracket on the transom, your motor will be about 6 inches below the transom rail when down and running. So the question becomes how to steer it. Normal linkages between main motor and kicker would be a problem because your main is tucked inside the well. I don't know if there is a solution. The throttle is also a problem. It does seem like the best solution, if you are sold on the sea keeping abilities of the skiff, would be to invest in a good four stroke main which should idle down to trolling speed. They do make trolling plates and of course there is always the bucket.