Frank,

I've seen several kickers mounted on swim platforms, but never in the HP range
you mention. I'd think that would be much more weight and structrural stress
than the platform could sucessfully tolerate long term.

The kicker mounts I've seen were FRP and "appeared" to be integral to the swim
platform. I believe all I saw were on I/O powered boats and the platforms were
well above the waterline thus making it fairly easy to tilt the kicker out of
the water.

I agree with Bill that you need to seriously downsize the kicker. Have you
considered a fuel source or will you use a kicker with an integrated tank?
Assume you'll use a pull start? For steering, except in close quarters, you
may be able to maintain enough control by lowering your lower unit just enough
for it to act as a rudder. When on a longer straight course you may be able to
simply raise the lower unit as far as possible.

Would you really be saving any money running a kicker at high speed vs your
main engine at idle or slightly higher? Factor in the cost of a kicker and a
custom mount, the lack of control, and the butt ugly appearance of such a setup
on an otherwise pretty boat and you may no longer feel the idea is very
wonderful.

Butch

Hi Bill,
A high thrust motor could be the answer.. The Formula is a little heavier,
about 7000 pouinds dry. 8500 full load. (115 gallons of fuel and 40 of fresh
water and 20 gallon holding tank + overfed crew.) Steering could be rigged
somehow. Perhaps just a long tiller extension.
I don't want the outboard dangleing in sal****er when either running or at
dock.

The question remains though, how am I to mount the rascal?
--
Capt. Frank Hopkins

www.home.earthlink.net/~aartworks
"Calif Bill" wrote in message
link.net...

"Capt. Frank Hopkins" wrote in message
ink.net...
I am considering mounting a small trolling outboard on the swim
platform
of my Formula 26. I am thinking the motor should be at least 35 to 35
hp.
For 2 reasons. 1. fuel is getting really expensive, and my 7.4 burns
10
gallons an hour @ 1200 rpm (6-7 kts) and 2. I would like to have back
up
power for Mr. Case

Does anyone know of a swim platform mount that will allow me to tilt
the
motor up high enough to clear the water and hold a 30 hp motor's
thrust?
Any input will be appreciated.

--
Capt. Frank Hopkins

www.home.earthlink.net/~aartworks




The motor does not need to be more than 15. The Formula 26 will make a
hull
speed of about 8-9 mph. Get a high thrust small O/B. They are designed
to
running a displacement hull. My 21' 3200# boat runs about 6.5 mph with
a
Yamaha T-8. With a standard 15 HP mariner ran about 5.5 mph.
Bill