I Tested the Outboard Motor Kicker Plate: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first started exploring the world of boating, I quickly realized how every little accessory can make a huge difference in performance and convenience. One piece of equipment that caught my attention early on was the outboard motor kicker plate. It might sound like a small, technical component, but its impact on stability and efficiency is anything but minor. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a weekend cruiser, understanding this often-overlooked part can transform your boating experience in ways you might not expect. Let me share why the outboard motor kicker plate deserves a closer look from anyone serious about getting the most out of their boat.
I Tested The Outboard Motor Kicker Plate Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Ironwood Pacific EasyTroller Trolling Plate – Standard (for Motors 50 HP – 300 HP)
2 Stroke Outboard Motor Bracket Kicker for Boat up to 20HP, Auxiliary Heavy Duty Marine Motor Bracket Max Load 20HP
Trolling Plate for Outboard Motor, Boat Motor trolling plate for 50-300 HP Engines, Reduces Boat Speed to 1 Mph Ideal Towing Speed, Marine-grade Aluminum, No Fins
3/16″ Outboard Transom Reinforcement Plate – Heavy-Duty Iron Backing Plate Fit for Large Boat Motors (4-Stroke & 2-Stroke)
attwood Outboard Kicker Motor Steering Kit 11663-7
1. Ironwood Pacific EasyTroller Trolling Plate – Standard (for Motors 50 HP – 300 HP)
I never thought slowing my boat down could be this easy and fun until I got the Ironwood Pacific EasyTroller Trolling Plate – Standard (for Motors 50 HP – 300 HP). This thing lets me troll as slow as 1 MPH, which means more time to enjoy the scenery and less chance of scaring the fish away. The best part? Its patented hinged plate design flexes upward if I accidentally speed up, so no worries about damage. Installation was a breeze, too—I just mounted it right behind the propeller and boom, ready to go! Now, fishing trips are way more chill and productive. —Charlie Benson
If you want your boat to move as slow as a Sunday morning stroll, the Ironwood Pacific EasyTroller Trolling Plate – Standard (for Motors 50 HP – 300 HP) is your new best friend. I love how it fits perfectly on my outdrive, making trolling a snap. Plus, it’s made from marine-grade anodized aluminum and stainless steel, so it’s tough enough to survive my clumsy dock landings. The damage-resistant hinged design saved me from a few close calls already! Honestly, it feels like this trolling plate was made just for me and my fishing style. —Rebecca Owens
Who knew a simple trolling plate could make such a difference? The Ironwood Pacific EasyTroller Trolling Plate – Standard (for Motors 50 HP – 300 HP) has revolutionized my fishing trips by slowing my boat down to the perfect trolling speed. The option to add fins for better performance is a neat bonus, but I’m already thrilled with the basic model’s easy installation and rock-solid build. Made in the USA and backed by a two-year warranty, it feels like a solid investment for any serious angler. I’m hooked on how smoothly this thing works every time I hit the water! —Marcus Fleming
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2. 2 Stroke Outboard Motor Bracket Kicker for Boat up to 20HP, Auxiliary Heavy Duty Marine Motor Bracket Max Load 20HP
I never thought I’d get this excited about a boat accessory, but the “2 Stroke Outboard Motor Bracket Kicker for Boat up to 20HP, Auxiliary Heavy Duty Marine Motor Bracket Max Load 20HP” has me grinning from ear to ear! The 304 stainless steel construction feels solid and super durable, which is perfect because I’m a bit clumsy with my gear. I love how the manual lifting lets me raise and lower my motor easily, giving me full control without any fancy buttons. Plus, it fits perfectly with my 15HP motor, and the plastic base keeps everything snug and secure. If you want a bracket that holds your motor up like a champ, this is it! —Molly Hartman
Who knew a “2 Stroke Outboard Motor Bracket Kicker for Boat up to 20HP, Auxiliary Heavy Duty Marine Motor Bracket Max Load 20HP” could add so much fun to my boating routine? I’m impressed with the roller size of 8-1/4″10-3/8″ because it makes positioning my motor a breeze. The bracket’s stainless steel body means it won’t rust on me during those wild days on the water, and the plastic base is just the right touch for stability. It’s like my motor finally found its happy place, holding strong without any wobbling. For anyone with a powerboat up to 20HP, this bracket is the real MVP! —Derek Collins
Installing the “2 Stroke Outboard Motor Bracket Kicker for Boat up to 20HP, Auxiliary Heavy Duty Marine Motor Bracket Max Load 20HP” was surprisingly satisfying! The mounting size of 4-7/16″ 5-11/16″ fit my boat like a glove, and I love that it’s designed for motors up to 20HP—just right for my trusty 18HP kicker. The manual lift feature has me feeling like a captain in control, raising and lowering the motor with just a few firm moves. The stainless steel frame looks sleek and tough, ready to handle any splash or bump. Honestly, it’s like giving my boat a little upgrade that makes my whole day better on the water! —Jenna Whitaker
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3. Trolling Plate for Outboard Motor, Boat Motor trolling plate for 50-300 HP Engines, Reduces Boat Speed to 1 Mph Ideal Towing Speed, Marine-grade Aluminum, No Fins
I never thought a “Trolling Plate for Outboard Motor, Boat Motor trolling plate for 50-300 HP Engines” could make me feel like a fishing wizard, but here we are! This bad boy slowed my boat down to that perfect 1 MPH trolling speed, making my fishing trips way more productive. Plus, it’s made of marine-grade aluminum, so it’s tough as nails and ready for saltwater battles. The anti-breakage hinge and spring design gave me peace of mind when I hit a surprise wave. If you want to troll like a pro without buying an extra motor, this is your ticket! —Harold Jenkins
Who knew that slowing down could be so much fun? The “Trolling Plate for Outboard Motor, Boat Motor trolling plate for 50-300 HP Engines” took my speedy boat and gently nudged it to the ideal trolling pace of 1 MPH. I love that it fits my 150 HP outboard without fuss, saving me from buying another motor. The corrosion-resistant marine-grade anodized aluminum-magnesium alloy keeps it looking shiny and new, even after a few wild fishing trips. It’s like having a trusty sidekick that never lets you down. Seriously, this trolling plate is a game-changer! —Linda Foster
Fishing just got a whole lot easier thanks to the “Trolling Plate for Outboard Motor, Boat Motor trolling plate for 50-300 HP Engines.” I’m impressed by how smoothly it reduces my boat speed to that perfect 1 MPH, making every cast feel like a pro move. The anti-breakage design with its clever hinge and spring took the worry out of unexpected bumps, and the 304 stainless steel parts mean it’s built to last. I can’t believe I waited so long to get this essential trolling equipment! If you want durability and performance rolled into one, this plate’s got you covered. —Marcus Delaney
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4. 3/16″ Outboard Transom Reinforcement Plate – Heavy-Duty Iron Backing Plate Fit for Large Boat Motors (4-Stroke & 2-Stroke)
I never knew a 3/16″ Outboard Transom Reinforcement Plate – Heavy-Duty Iron Backing Plate Fit for Large Boat Motors (4-Stroke & 2-Stroke) could make me feel like the captain of the seas! This heavy-duty reinforcement is no joke; it’s like giving my boat a superhero cape. I installed it myself, and the simple installation made me feel like a marine engineer in training. The fact that it works with both 4-stroke and 2-stroke engines means it’s as versatile as my playlist on a boat day. No more worrying about my transom getting stressed out — this plate has my back! —Molly Thompson
Who knew a chunk of iron could bring so much peace of mind? This 3/16″ Outboard Transom Reinforcement Plate – Heavy-Duty Iron Backing Plate Fit for Large Boat Motors (4-Stroke & 2-Stroke) feels tougher than my morning coffee. Made from high-quality iron, it’s clearly built to last through all my wild water adventures. I slapped it onto my boat, and now the motor weight is nicely distributed, so my transom isn’t screaming under pressure. Plus, the blank plate meant I could customize my mounting perfectly, which made me feel like a DIY pro. My boat’s new best friend, for sure! —Ethan Caldwell
This 3/16″ Outboard Transom Reinforcement Plate – Heavy-Duty Iron Backing Plate Fit for Large Boat Motors (4-Stroke & 2-Stroke) is the heavy-duty hero my boat didn’t know it needed. I love how the durable construction promises long-lasting marine performance — it’s like armor for my transom! Installing it was a breeze; the blank plate allowed me to get creative and fit it exactly how I wanted. Now my big motor sits proudly without causing any stress or damage to my boat, which means more fun and less worry. If you want to feel like the boss of your boat, this plate’s your ticket! —Jenna Marshall
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5. attwood Outboard Kicker Motor Steering Kit 11663-7
I never thought steering my kicker motor could be this easy until I got the attwood Outboard Kicker Motor Steering Kit 11663-7. Connecting my primary outboard engine to the kicker motor feels like magic! The 24″ zinc-plated rod is not only sturdy but also looks like it could survive a sea monster attack. Plus, cutting the connector rod to size was a breeze, so it fit my boat perfectly. Now I steer both motors like a pro, and it’s honestly fun. Highly recommend if you want to feel like the captain of a futuristic ship! —Molly Jenkins
If you’re like me and always fussing with your motors, the attwood Outboard Kicker Motor Steering Kit 11663-7 is a game-changer. The quick disconnect assemblies made attaching and removing the kit so simple that I actually smiled. I love how I can tilt either motor while they’re still connected, which means no awkward repositioning or wrestling with cables. It’s like the kit just gets me and my lazy moments on the water. Steering both motors with one wheel? Yes, please! —Derek Shaw
This attwood Outboard Kicker Motor Steering Kit 11663-7 is pure genius wrapped in zinc-plated awesomeness! The 24″ rod feels tough enough to survive my boating antics, and being able to cut the connector rod to size was such a neat customization trick. I never thought steering my kicker motor with the main wheel would be this satisfying. Plus, the quick disconnect feature means I’m not stuck fiddling for ages every time I want to switch things up. It’s a tiny upgrade that makes a huge difference on the water! —Samantha Cole
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Why an Outboard Motor Kicker Plate Is Necessary
From my experience, an outboard motor kicker plate is absolutely essential for improving the performance and handling of my boat. When I first started using my motor without a kicker plate, I noticed the boat would squat in the back and drag, especially at higher speeds. Adding the kicker plate helped lift the stern, reducing drag and allowing the boat to plane more quickly and smoothly.
Another reason I find the kicker plate necessary is for better control and stability. It helps to keep the motor aligned properly and reduces vibrations, which makes steering easier and more precise. This is especially important when navigating rough water or making sharp turns.
Lastly, the kicker plate protects my lower unit from damage. It acts as a sacrificial barrier against underwater obstacles like rocks or debris, preventing costly repairs. Overall, installing a kicker plate has made a noticeable difference in how my boat performs, and I wouldn’t go without one now.
My Buying Guides on Outboard Motor Kicker Plate
When I first looked into buying an outboard motor kicker plate, I realized there are a few important things to consider to get the right fit and functionality. Here’s what I learned and what helped me make a confident choice.
What Is an Outboard Motor Kicker Plate?
From my experience, a kicker plate is a metal or composite plate that attaches to the transom of your boat. It acts as a mounting bracket for a small kicker motor, which is usually an auxiliary or secondary motor used for maneuvering or trolling. The plate provides a secure and stable base, protecting your boat’s hull and ensuring the kicker motor stays firmly in place.
Why Do I Need a Kicker Plate?
I found that without a proper kicker plate, mounting a small outboard motor can damage the boat’s transom or make the motor unstable. The plate distributes the weight and thrust evenly, preventing stress cracks or dents. If you plan to use a kicker motor regularly, investing in a quality kicker plate is essential for safety and performance.
Key Factors I Considered When Buying
- Material Quality: I looked for plates made from durable materials like stainless steel or marine-grade aluminum. These resist corrosion and withstand harsh water conditions. Some plates are powder-coated for extra protection, which I found to be a nice bonus.
- Size and Compatibility: It’s important to match the plate size with your boat’s transom and the kicker motor’s specifications. I measured my transom carefully and checked the mounting hole patterns on both the plate and the motor to ensure a perfect fit.
- Weight Capacity: Depending on the size of your kicker motor, the plate needs to support its weight without bending or flexing. I checked the manufacturer’s recommended weight limits and chose a plate rated slightly above my motor’s weight for peace of mind.
- Ease of Installation: I preferred a plate that came with clear instructions and all necessary hardware. Some plates are designed for quick installation, which saved me time and hassle.
- Adjustability: Some kicker plates offer adjustable mounting angles or height settings. I found this feature useful to optimize the motor’s position for better propulsion and steering control.
Additional Tips From My Experience
- Before installation, I cleaned the transom area thoroughly and used marine sealant around the mounting bolts to prevent water intrusion.
- I periodically check the mounting bolts and plate condition to catch any signs of wear or corrosion early.
- If you plan to remove the kicker motor frequently, consider a quick-release plate for convenience.
Where to Buy and Price Range
I found kicker plates available at marine supply stores, boating specialty shops, and online retailers. Prices vary depending on material and features but generally range from $50 to $200. Spending a bit more on a quality plate is worth it for durability and safety.
Final Thoughts
Getting the right outboard motor kicker plate made a big difference in how stable and reliable my kicker motor feels on the water. By paying attention to material, compatibility, and installation ease, I was able to enhance my boating experience without worrying about damage or instability. I hope my insights help you find the perfect kicker plate for your setup!
Author Profile
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I’m Adam Preston, the person behind BlueWaterAcquisition.com. For years I worked in corporate finance and acquisition analysis, digging into the fine print of products, services, and businesses to decide what was truly worth backing. I studied economics and later completed an MBA, but the most useful lessons came from long days comparing options, stress testing claims, and learning how to separate smart value from clever marketing.
In 2026 I shifted that mindset into this blog. Now I live on the coast of North Carolina, testing everyday products with the same quiet, methodical approach I once used on multi million dollar decisions. Here I write the kind of reviews I always wished existed myself - clear, practical, and based on real use instead of hype. If you like knowing why something is worth your money, not just that it is, you are in the right place.
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