3000 express kicker options.

[ropes]

I have a 9.9 suzuki kicker mounted to a swim grid bracket. The problem is that in rough weather or when stopping the kicker gets salt water backwash all around it. It also does not tilt all the way out of the water. It is an extra long leg. Just had to have the starter replaced because of salt water intrusion. I want to put the kicker on a hydraulic lift but the swim grid is 25 inches wide. Dont really want to cut the swim grid. What I might do is remove the reboarding ladder and cover then cut out a bit of the grid where it is solid fiberglass so the kicker can lift without hitting the swimgrid. Has anyone done this? I laso want to have a custom plastic fuel tank made to install under the gunwale so it is out of the weather and vented properly. (10-12 gal). Has anyone done this?

[anderdog]

hey ropes,

sorry i don't have any advice for you but i will be curious to see any response. I want to add a kicker to a 2460 Denali and i'm looking for any advice or recommendations on hp, shaft length, mounting bracket and manufacturer.

Looks like you have a 9.9 suzuki. Does that provide your 3000 express with plenty of hp in rough water?

good luck with your search.

anderdog

[ropes]

Most of our fishing is on inside water so yes plenty of power. I have decided to put the kicker on a hydraulic lift( the one built by Pooderbuilt out of Bellingham Washington) I am intending to mount it in the middle of the transom and cut out the swim grid under the reboarding ladder to give it enough clearance. It will lift the kicker completely out of the water. I am also going to install a custom alluminum fuel tank. Not sure where but my most recent idea is to cut a hole behind the pull out bench seat at the transom. Not sure but I think about a 10 gal tank will fit. I will have a vent filler cap on the top of the transom. I should be able to mount it flush behind the seat if I have a mounting flange welded to the tank. Will take pics and let you know how it works out.

[anderdog]

I will check out Pooderbuilt. I'm in Seattle so they are just up the I-5.

Sounds like you've got a plan and project. Interested to see your photos when you get them.

Thanks again for the advice.

anderdog,

[g4dyr]

Ropes, Any chance of a photo of what you have.

We troll for Walleye on Lake Erie and I have just bought a 2002 Pursuit 3000 Express to give us a cabin and a bit more space than our 25' Wellcraft CC. [Now for sale]
Trolling speeds are between 1 and 2.5 mph with us often using about 1.8/2.0 mph through the Summer.

Using just one of the Mercruiser IB's I have been advised that we will not be able to get down below about 2.5 mph, without using large trolling bags.
I have a new 4 stroke 9.9 Mercury Kicker with Electric Start and was very keen to mount it on the swim platform but folk are telling me this is just a silly idea.

I have an engineering company and can design / fabricate a quick removal SS bracket to support it and was thinking of mounting the standard Red fuel tank and a battery along side it.

Thanks

Roy
Pursuit 3000 Express
Vermilion Ohio

[ropes]

I did that type of install and it worked OK but after a year of water splashing back on the motor and gas tank I ended up having to replace the starter on the kicker plus remove and rebuild the carb from water getting in the gas tank. My solution is not a cheap one but it will be top shelf! I am going to mount the kicker in the middle of the boat off of the transom on a hydraulic lift that will get it right out of the water. I have just ordered a custom made aluminium gas tank that will be mounted under the starboard gunwale. I will have it vented and with a guage at the helm. It will hold about 13 gal. A whole long weekend of fishing all day worth of fuel. I am also installing a racor filter. I have thouhght of many ways to improve on my current situation and found that they were all compromises. If you do decide to use a swim grid mount make sure your kicker will tilt all of the way out of the water. Mine drags for a second or two when I take off. Also I would have the battery and fuel on an elevated stand. I will take pics of current situation and also the new one so you can check it out. Thanks and happy fishing. I guess you have been having an early spring there?