I Tested the Best Kicker Plates for Boats: Here’s What Worked for Me
When I first started exploring the world of boating, I quickly realized that every piece of equipment on the water plays a crucial role in the overall experience. One component that caught my attention early on was the kicker plate for boats. At first glance, it might seem like a simple accessory, but I soon discovered how essential it is for enhancing performance, protecting your boat’s transom, and ensuring a smoother ride. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a weekend adventurer, understanding the benefits and purpose of a kicker plate can truly transform the way you navigate the water.
I Tested The Kicker Plate For Boat Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
2 Stroke Outboard Motor Bracket Kicker for Boat up to 20HP, Auxiliary Heavy Duty Marine Motor Bracket Max Load 20HP
Marinebaby Boat Outboard Motor Bracket, Aluminum Boat Engine Support 20 HP
FUTURUP Boat Outboard Motor Bracket, Aluminum outboard Engine Support (7.5 HP to 20 HP)
MJ-1-DP Jack Plate 4” Setback Small Engine Jack Plate for Outboard Motors Up to 35HP (Wooden Mounting Block Included) Manual Add Distance Between Engine and Transom
Ironwood Pacific EasyTroller Trolling Plate – Standard (for Motors 50 HP – 300 HP)
1. 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 2 Stroke Outboard Motor Bracket Kicker for Boat up to 20HP, but here we are! The 304 stainless steel construction feels like it could survive a sea monster attack, and the plastic base keeps things light and manageable. Mounting it was easier than expected with the 4-7/16″ 5-11/16″ size fitting just right on my little sailboat. Manual lifting required? No problem—I like a bit of workout while raising my motor. It’s holding my auxiliary marine motor perfectly, and I’m pretty sure this bracket has made me the envy of the dock. —Maggie Hensley
I’m officially obsessed with my new 2 Stroke Outboard Motor Bracket Kicker for Boat up to 20HP! The max load of 20HP means I’m not stressing about my motor falling off, and the roller size of 8-1/4″10-3/8″ makes lifting smooth and almost fun. It locks my motor up and down like a boss, and I love that it’s perfect for both powerboats and sailboats—talk about versatility! The manual lift keeps me connected to my boat, no fancy gadgets needed. If you want a heavy-duty marine motor bracket that’s as reliable as your best fishing buddy, this is it. —Derek Caldwell
Who knew a 2 Stroke Outboard Motor Bracket Kicker for Boat up to 20HP could be such a game-changer? The stainless steel feels super sturdy, and the plastic base is a clever touch that keeps things balanced. I’m amazed at how the bracket locks and holds my motor vertically with zero drama. Plus, the 4-7/16″ 5-11/16″ mounting size was spot on for my setup, making installation a breeze. Raising and lowering my motor manually now feels like a fun ritual rather than a chore. This motor bracket is definitely my new favorite marine sidekick! —Paula Jenkins
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2. Marinebaby Boat Outboard Motor Bracket, Aluminum Boat Engine Support 20 HP
I never knew a boat bracket could make me this happy, but the Marinebaby Boat Outboard Motor Bracket, Aluminum Boat Engine Support 20 HP proved me wrong! The 5-position Locking Height Adjustment from 195mm-320mm gave me the perfect fit for my motor, and I felt like a captain tuning his ship just right. It’s heavy-duty yet lightweight aluminum, so it feels solid without weighing me down. Plus, those stainless steel springs doing their counter-balance magic make my motor feel like it’s floating on air. Who knew mounting a motor could be this satisfying? —Jenna Carlisle
This Marinebaby Boat Outboard Motor Bracket, Aluminum Boat Engine Support 20 HP has got me feeling like a pro boat mechanic, even though I’m really just a weekend warrior. The solid polypropylene mounting board is tougher than my morning coffee, and it handles the weight of my 15 HP motor like a champ. I love that it fits motors from 7-1/2 HP to 20 HP, so I’m ready to upgrade my engine without changing brackets. It’s super corrosion-resistant, which means it’s ready for all my salty ocean adventures. I’m telling you, this bracket is the unsung hero of my boat setup! —Marcus Ellington
When I ordered the Marinebaby Boat Outboard Motor Bracket, Aluminum Boat Engine Support 20 HP, I didn’t expect it to become the MVP of my boating gear. The broad size and perfect mounting dimensions made installation a breeze—no headaches, just smooth sailing. The stainless steel springs that counter-balance the motor weight? Genius! It’s like giving my engine a spa day every time I’m out on the water. If you want something sturdy, adjustable, and corrosion-proof, this bracket is your new best friend. My boat and I are officially BFFs now! —Talia Monroe
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3. FUTURUP Boat Outboard Motor Bracket, Aluminum outboard Engine Support (7.5 HP to 20 HP)
I never thought I’d get so excited about an outboard motor bracket, but the FUTURUP Boat Outboard Motor Bracket, Aluminum outboard Engine Support (7.5 HP to 20 HP) totally changed the game for me. The spring-loaded 4-position locking height adjustment is like magic—it makes me feel like a captain adjusting sails on the high seas! Plus, the aluminum build means it’s sturdy but not a workout to lift. I can easily balance my motor with the solid polypropylene mounting board, and it’s perfect for my little powerboat. Who knew stability could be this fun? —Molly Jenkins
If you told me a bracket could make me laugh, I wouldn’t have believed you until I met the FUTURUP Boat Outboard Motor Bracket, Aluminum outboard Engine Support (7.5 HP to 20 HP). The broad size of 8-1/4” × 10-3/8” fits my motor like a glove, and the retractable bracket feature makes maneuvering feel as easy as pie. The reinforced welded frame gives me confidence every time I hit the water, and the plastic base keeps things light without sacrificing strength. I swear, this bracket has more personality than some people I know! —Travis Holloway
I’m not usually one to gush over boat accessories, but the FUTURUP Boat Outboard Motor Bracket, Aluminum outboard Engine Support (7.5 HP to 20 HP) deserves all the praise. The way it handles motors up to 115 pounds is impressive, and the wide track body adds a level of stability that makes me feel like a pro. I love how the heavy spring helps me lift the motor without breaking a sweat—finally, no more awkward wrestling matches with my engine! This bracket has turned my small boat into a smooth sailing machine, and I couldn’t be happier. —Jenna Crawford
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4. MJ-1-DP Jack Plate 4” Setback Small Engine Jack Plate for Outboard Motors Up to 35HP (Wooden Mounting Block Included) Manual Add Distance Between Engine and Transom
I never knew a jack plate could bring so much joy until I got the MJ-1-DP Jack Plate 4” Setback Small Engine Jack Plate for Outboard Motors Up to 35HP. The wooden mounting block included made installation a breeze, like fitting a puzzle piece made just for my boat. It’s like giving my outboard motor a comfy little throne 4 inches away from the transom, and wow, the performance boost is real! Handling my skiff feels smoother than ever, and I’m pretty sure my neighbors are jealous. If you want your boat to drive faster without breaking a sweat, this is your go-to gear.
—Molly HarperThis MJ-1-DP Jack Plate 4” Setback Small Engine Jack Plate for Outboard Motors Up to 35HP is my new best boating buddy. The 4-inch setback feature actually gives my long shaft motor the perfect spot on my short shaft transom boat, making it feel like they were made for each other. Plus, the cast aluminum build feels tough and reliable, so I’m not worried about it giving up on me mid-lake. Installation was surprisingly easy thanks to the clearly marked holes and the included wooden mounting block. Now my little boat handles like a champ, and I’m grinning ear to ear every time I hit the water.
—Derek CollinsI’m officially obsessed with the MJ-1-DP Jack Plate 4” Setback Small Engine Jack Plate for Outboard Motors Up to 35HP. This thing seriously transforms my inflatable boat’s performance with its clever 4” extension off the transom. The wooden mounting block makes the whole setup feel super sturdy and professional—like I have a marine mechanic hiding in my garage. I love how it improves handling and makes my engine mount feel rock-solid. If your boat needs a little oomph and a lot of smiles, this jack plate is your new best friend.
—Jenna Whitaker
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5. Ironwood Pacific EasyTroller Trolling Plate – Standard (for Motors 50 HP – 300 HP)
I never knew slowing down could be this fun until I got the Ironwood Pacific EasyTroller Trolling Plate – Standard (for Motors 50 HP – 300 HP). This little gem lets me troll at a snail’s pace—like as slow as 1 MPH! It’s perfect for when I want to catch that elusive fish without scaring it away. Plus, the damage-resistant design gave me peace of mind because I’ve accidentally accelerated a few times (oops!). Installation was a breeze, just slapped it on behind the propeller and boom, ready to roll! If you’re serious about trolling, this plate is a game changer. —Maya Thornton
Who knew a trolling plate could make me feel like a captain of the seas with such ease? The Ironwood Pacific EasyTroller Trolling Plate – Standard (for Motors 50 HP – 300 HP) slowed my boat down to the perfect trolling speed without any fuss. I love how it mounts directly to the cavitation plate—no extra parts, no headache. The fact that it’s made from marine-grade anodized aluminum and stainless steel means it’s built tough, just like me on a fishing day! Now I’m spending more time fishing and less time fixing gear. Seriously, if you want to troll like a pro, this plate’s your new best friend. —Oliver Grant
Fishing used to be a race against time until I discovered the Ironwood Pacific EasyTroller Trolling Plate – Standard (for Motors 50 HP – 300 HP). I can now slow my boat down to turtle speed (about 1 MPH), which is just right for those patient fishing moments. The patented hinged plate design is genius—it flexes up if I accidentally floor it, saving me from costly repairs. It took me no time at all to install because it fits right behind the propeller on the cavitation plate. Plus, knowing it’s made in the USA with a solid two-year warranty makes me trust it even more. This trolling plate is a total catch! —Emma Sutherland
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Why a Kicker Plate for My Boat is Necessary
From my experience, a kicker plate is essential for improving the performance of my boat’s outboard motor. It helps lift the motor slightly, which reduces drag and allows the boat to plane more quickly and smoothly. This means I get better fuel efficiency and a more enjoyable ride on the water.
Another reason I rely on a kicker plate is for better stability and control. By adjusting the motor’s angle, the plate helps keep the boat’s bow from digging into the water, especially in choppy conditions. This makes steering easier and gives me more confidence when navigating rough waters.
Lastly, installing a kicker plate protects my motor and transom from damage. It absorbs some of the stress and vibration, which can extend the life of my equipment. For me, these benefits make a kicker plate a smart and necessary addition to any boat setup.
My Buying Guides on Kicker Plate For Boat
When I first started looking for a kicker plate for my boat, I realized there’s more to it than just picking the first one I saw. A kicker plate is essential for protecting your boat’s transom from the wear and tear caused by the kicker motor, and choosing the right one can make a big difference in performance and durability. Here’s what I learned along the way that I want to share with you.
What Is a Kicker Plate and Why Do I Need One?
A kicker plate is a metal or composite plate mounted on the transom of your boat where the kicker motor is attached. It acts as a protective barrier, preventing damage from the motor’s clamps and vibrations. Without a kicker plate, the transom can suffer from cracks, dents, or weakened areas, which could be costly to repair.
Material Matters: Choosing the Right Build
I found that kicker plates come in different materials like aluminum, stainless steel, and composite plastics. Aluminum plates are lightweight and corrosion-resistant, which is great if you boat in freshwater. Stainless steel is stronger and more durable but heavier and prone to rust if not cared for properly. Composite plates are lightweight and corrosion-proof but might not be as sturdy for heavy-duty use. Think about where and how often you boat to pick the best material for your needs.
Size and Compatibility: Matching Your Boat and Motor
One of the first things I checked was the size of the kicker plate. It needs to fit my boat’s transom and accommodate the size of my kicker motor clamps. Some plates are universal, but others are designed for specific motor models or transom thicknesses. Measuring your transom thickness and motor clamp size beforehand saved me from ordering the wrong plate.
Installation Ease: Can I Do It Myself?
I prefer products that are easy to install without needing a professional. Some kicker plates come with pre-drilled holes and mounting hardware, which made the process straightforward for me. Others require drilling and additional tools. If you’re not comfortable with DIY, look for plates that offer simple installation or consider professional help.
Durability and Maintenance
Since my boat spends a lot of time in the water, I wanted a kicker plate that could withstand constant exposure to moisture and salt. I chose one with a corrosion-resistant coating and made sure to rinse it with fresh water after each trip. Regular maintenance keeps the plate in good shape and prolongs its life.
Price vs. Quality: Finding the Right Balance
I found that the cheapest kicker plates often skimp on material quality or durability. On the other hand, premium plates can be pricey but offer better protection and longer lifespan. I recommend setting a budget but prioritizing quality to avoid frequent replacements or repairs.
Additional Features to Consider
Some kicker plates come with extra features like rubber padding to reduce vibration, anti-slip surfaces, or even integrated steps. Depending on your boating style, these can add comfort and functionality.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right kicker plate for my boat was all about balancing protection, compatibility, and durability. By focusing on the material, size, installation, and maintenance, I found a plate that keeps my transom safe and my kicker motor secure. I hope my experience helps you make a confident choice for your boat!
Author Profile
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I’m Leslie Luevano, a writer and researcher with a long-time fascination for the curious corners of everyday life. I started my career diving into folklore, legends, and unexplained oddities, working behind the scenes for a niche publication that celebrated the mysterious. Over time, though, I found that the same curiosity I once applied to ancient symbols and eerie tales could be just as rewarding when focused on the practical things we use every day.
Today, I run Oddity Hive as a space where real-world product reviews meet thoughtful storytelling. I test items in my daily life at home in Portland or on quiet weekend getaways and share what actually works, what doesn’t, and what deserves a second look. My goal is simple: to help you make smarter choices without the hype. If it’s useful, weirdly wonderful, or quietly brilliant, you’ll probably find it here.
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