Kicker Motor Trim Position when Traveling

[GregeMoose]

Searched the forum archives first with no results. Just purchased new kicker (05 Merc. 9.9 4 stroke)for my 03 Crestliner 1750 Fishhawk. I've mounted it directly to the transom (no power trim/tilt). My question is, when trailering or traveling with the big motor, what is the correct trim position for the kicker? I've been told that if trimed all the way up you can break the motor support if in rough waters, or on bad roads. Is there a transom saver made for kicker motors? Any suggestions/advice would be appreciated.
Thanks, Moose

[ChuckN]

I broke 2 tilt brackets on a kicker in one year, at $50 a pop. In rough water, kickers bounce and they need support. I bought a Bracket Pro to support the kicker on my last boat and it worked very well. Do a search on the web "bracket pro". You will see lots of pics. You do need to drill holes into the transom to bolt the unit on.

I just looked at the price, steel prices must have pushed the price back up, or something. They were $150, down to $89 last year, now back up to $150.

[This message has been edited by ChuckN (edited 07-14-2004).]

[Guest]

Good Question,

I keep mine in the down position while trailering. I have a panther and a pro strap, as a friend lost his 03 Johnson on Big Stone to rough water this spring. I had heard Merc was going to make a 9.9 pro kicker with tougher mounts? Is this what you purchased?

[GregeMoose]

The 05 mercury I purchased is about 30lbs lighter than the 04, it does have different triming hardware than the 04, but I'm not sure if its stronger. The Phanter model 35 has been requimended by others also. Where did you get yours (price?) and are they difficult to install?

Thanks for the info, Moose

[Guest]

Go direct to there HSOforum to find where to purchase. The guy I bought my boat from had it installed. I believe mine is a 35L or something like that and are about 400 or so but not sure. Pro strap is about 40 bucks and keeps engine tight while tilted up.