Unfortunately my shop made a mistake somehow. Fuel is not getting to kicker. It is sucking the bulb dry. Back to the shop on warranty. Fml
1993 208 Adventure Hardtop Kicker Addition
- Thread starter Dboardfox
- Start date
This is interesting. Is this because of the direction of the prop? Do you think it’s worth switching current swim platform to starboard so kicker can have the port side? I want to have platform for safety reasons. Thanks
I moved swum platform to starboard. As an avid wakeboarder, I like the swim platform on the starboard so if I have someone or something in the water I can keep my eyes on it without looking over obstructions or people. I actually think my configuration is safer. That is my 2c.
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93, I do not think it is worth changing over your kicker. I believe the difference in steering is negligible if you have it for trolling. Most times on the tack there're few times when sharp turns are required and either way your main is performing as a rudder. If your wake boarding then I understand the line of site is important. Important to balance the kicker with batteries on the opposite side or you may flood the scuppers on the low side when fishing from the stern. Just replaced my group 27 with group 31 batteries and they are the perfect balance to offset the kicker and bracket. ooooops got a little carried away there. Good luck in the fun ahead.
Yes, prop direction. I have found most boats with kickers have them on the port but Gradys with small swim platforms just put them on the side thats empty rather than move platform. Also increases weight on drivers side fwiw. Nothings perfect and it's all a compromise.
Olyfishin
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So I just got a 226 Seafarer (1998) with the swim platform on the port side and a kicker bracket on the starboard side. I was internally debating what to do... I'm relieved to see that others are also. Makes me feel a little less neurotic. I have to replace the existing bracket with a beefier one. Question is which side do I replace it on. Here's the pros/cons that I've listed regarding the kicker bracket location decision of leaving the bracket on the starboard side using the existing bolt pattern:
Pros:
Cons:
Pros:
- No new holes need to be drilled in the transom nor plugging relatively large bolt holes that are no longer to be used (BIG PRO to me).
- Can leave the swim platform.
- Can leave the fuel line in current location feeding from tank to starboard side.
- So, overall quick and simple bracket upgrade.
Cons:
- Puts more weight on the driver side which is also the side with the fish box (Unsure how much of an impact this will be... maybe offset by moving second battery to port side?)
- Maybe some impact on steering (based on what I'm reading)?
Update. Added weight of kicker is going to make me install gemlux duckbill scuppers. Getting feet wet when in corners.
Hi D-fox. just curious, where in CA are you located and who did the work? I am in SoCal and always looking for good shops in the area. Thanks
In in East Bay San Francisco. Bit of a drive from SD. Eagle marine in martinez if others are interested.
PNW_Drifter
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The steering isn't going to change from a little kicker motor but it's annoying that grady the the swim platform ladder on the port. I mounted my kicker on starboard so I didn't have to move the ladder. The handle can hit the main during trailering. That's a good reason to mount on port, (like every other boat I've had).
BTW the the v6 200, 225, 250 and 300 weight about the same so that's a lot of weight on a 208!
Does the kicker cavitate in rough seas? seems high.
I would say no. I have had it cavitate but only in conditions I would not fish in.
PNW_Drifter
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To prevent the kicker from sucking the bulb dry on the main, you need an anti-siphon valve. It just a hose barb you screw into your fuel water seperator, easy peezy Amazon has them.
Your tiny kicker is isn't going to prop walk you anywhere. Non issue.
I'd worry about the weight issues though It wan't as big of issue as I thought it was going to be on mine. I'm still annoyed that the kicker is starboard but functionally it's a non-issue. I moved the batts to port. Good reason to redo batt cables with ACR.
Your tiny kicker is isn't going to prop walk you anywhere. Non issue.
I'd worry about the weight issues though It wan't as big of issue as I thought it was going to be on mine. I'm still annoyed that the kicker is starboard but functionally it's a non-issue. I moved the batts to port. Good reason to redo batt cables with ACR.
Bulb suction solved. Don't get cavitation in the conditions I'm fishing. If I have to fish in rough conditions that cavitates my kicker, I am probably using my main anyway.
Here you can see my draft. Success, and up on plane.
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