If you need a reliable clamp-on kicker motor bracket, you’re looking for sturdy construction, adjustable mounting, and compatibility with 2-stroke or 4-stroke engines up to about 20–25 HP. The following five brackets are designed to support auxiliary motors on small boats, offering features like stainless steel or aluminum builds, height adjustment, and simple manual lifting. They’re suitable for anglers, sailors, and recreational boaters who want extra trolling power without a permanent install.
Summary of selected products
| Product | Best For | Material | Adjustability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haida 2 Stroke Outboard Motor Bracket | Best for heavy-duty 20 HP outboards | 304 stainless steel / plastic base | Manual lift; 4-7/16″ x 5-11/16″ mounting |
| Marinebaby Boat Outboard Motor Bracket | Versatile aluminum mount | Aluminum | 5-position height, up to 320 mm |
| YaeMarine 2 Stroke Bracket | Best for 2-stroke, up to 110 lbs | Stainless stamped | Vertical lift 10.5″ |
| Panther 55-0410 Auxiliary Bracket | Best for 4-stroke heavier setups | Anodized aluminum | Five vertical positions |
| Marinetech Panther 550407AL | Lightweight 2- to 4-stroke up to 15 HP | Hard-coat anodized aluminum | Torsion springs |
Haida 2 Stroke Outboard Motor Bracket
Key features: Constructed primarily from 304 stainless steel with a plastic base, this bracket is rated for up to 20 HP. The mounting footprint is 4-7/16″ by 5-11/16″, with a roller measuring 8-1/4″ by 10-3/8″. Manual lifting is required to raise and lower the motor, making it straightforward to operate without electronics. This setup is best for boaters who prioritize corrosion resistance and a heavier-duty feel for smaller engines. A potential limitation is the need for manual adjustment, which may be less convenient during rough water handling.
Best for: Anglers and coastal boaters using a 20 HP two-stroke auxiliary who want durable stainless steel construction and simple manual operation.
Why selected: Excellent corrosion resistance and a robust mounting footprint for small to mid-size 2-stroke motors.
Caution: The base is plastic, so ensure even torque distribution on longer runs and inspect mounting hardware regularly to prevent wear.
Marinebaby Boat Outboard Motor Bracket
Key features: This heavy-duty aluminum bracket is designed for 2-stroke motors from 7-1/2 HP to 20 HP. It uses stainless steel springs for counter-balance and includes a solid polypropylene mounting board. The height adjustment ranges across five positions (195 mm to 320 mm). This bracket is better for boaters who want a lighter, corrosion-resistant aluminum option with straightforward manual handling and reliable weight counterbalancing. A possible limitation is compatibility with larger 4-stroke engines beyond the stated range.
Best for: General-use trolling on small to mid-size boats needing a lightweight, durable aluminum mount.
Why selected: Combines strength with simple height adjustments and a counter-balanced design for easier motor positioning.
Caution: Check motor compatibility if you plan to run heavier 4-stroke units outside the recommended HP range.
YaeMarine 2 Stroke Outboard Bracket
Key features: This all-stainless stamped bracket supports 2-stroke motors up to about 110 lbs. The motor pad is 7.9″ wide with multiple side lengths and stainless nylock nuts. Mounting bracket to transom measures 5-3/4″ by 4-3/8″. Vertical lift reaches 10.5″. It’s designed for most 2-stroke motors and should not be used with 4-stroke engines. This option is best for boaters prioritizing stainless steel durability and a robust mounting interface. A limitation is not intended for 4-stroke applications.
Best for: 2-stroke trolling setups needing a strong stainless bracket with clear mounting dimensions.
Why selected: Wide motor pad and tall lift provide flexible placement for various 2-stroke configurations.
Caution: Do not use with 4-stroke engines, as design focuses on 2-stroke weight distribution.
Panther 55-0410 Auxiliary Bracket
Key features: This 10″ bracket allows five vertical running positions for trolling motors, designed to handle the torque and load of modern four-stroke motors. The anodized aluminum bracket includes a 2″-thick, extra-wide mounting board and aircraft-grade stainless hardware to deliver heavy-duty performance. It uses stainless steel torsion springs for counterbalancing. This bracket is best for boaters who want easy-to-use, adjustable support for heavier 4-stroke auxiliary engines. A limitation is that it’s optimized for 4-stroke weight and may be less ideal for lighter or purely 2-stroke configurations.
Best for: 4-stroke auxiliary motors needing easy, secure vertical adjustments.
Why selected: Five-position adjustability plus torsion springs reduce effort when repositioning the motor.
Caution: Ensure the four-stroke engine weight remains within the bracket’s design range to maintain balance and performance.
Marinetech Panther 550407AL Bracket
Key features: This bracket is designed for 2- and 4-stroke motors up to 15 HP or 132 lbs, featuring hard-coat anodized aluminum construction and stainless steel torsion springs for reliable counterbalancing. It targets lighter, more compact engines with a corrosion-resistant frame and a straightforward mounting approach. This option is well-suited for small skiffs or dinghies needing a durable yet light vertical adjustment solution. A limitation is the upper HP limit that may exclude higher-powered auxiliary engines.
Best for: Small boats needing a rugged, lightweight addition for both 2- and 4-stroke motors up to 15 HP.
Why selected: Balanced combination of lightness, corrosion resistance, and torsion spring reliability.
Caution: Verify motor weight and shaft length to ensure full compatibility with the bracket’s mounting footprint.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Engine type and horsepower: Most brackets are optimized for 2-stroke or 4-stroke motors within specific HP ranges. Choose a bracket that matches your engine class and weight.
- Material and corrosion resistance: Stainless steel and aluminum offer strong corrosion resistance. Consider your water conditions (saltwater vs. freshwater) and maintenance needs.
- Mounting footprint and transom fit: Check mounting dimensions and bracket width to ensure a proper fit on your boat’s transom.
- Adjustability: Height or vertical lift and number of positions affect how easily you position the motor for different water conditions and loads.
- Counterbalancing and springs: Torsion springs or counterbalancing features reduce effort when tilting or lifting the motor.
- Ease of use and maintenance: Manual vs. assisted lifting, and the availability of replacement parts or hardware, influence long-term satisfaction.
FAQ
- What is a clamp-on kicker motor bracket used for?
It provides a secure mounting point for an auxiliary motor on the transom of a boat, enabling trolling or maneuvering without a full engine install.
- Can I use a 4-stroke motor with these brackets?
Some brackets are designed for 4-stroke motors, while others specify 2-stroke limits. Verify the motor type and weight before purchasing.
- Do these brackets require electrical power?
No. Most are manually lifted or adjusted and do not require electrical components unless the model explicitly includes motorized features.
- How do I choose between aluminum and stainless brackets?
Aluminum is lighter and corrosion-resistant, good for lighter motors; stainless offers maximum strength and corrosion resistance, suitable for saltwater use.
- What maintenance is needed for brackets?
Regularly inspect mounting bolts, springs, and wear on the mounting board. Clean and lubricate moving parts to ensure smooth operation.
- Are these brackets compatible with all transom designs?
Compatibility depends on mounting dimensions and transom thickness. Check your boat’s transom specifications and compare with bracket requirements.