Norestar Outboard Motor Bracket/Kicker Mount for Boat Motors

I purchased this to carry my 4 HP 4-stroke outboard kicker motor. The very first thing that I noticed is that the steel edges are sharp! The hand grip is too narrow for my medium size hand to fit into, and I can only use three fingers. I used three fingers and my other fingers were against sharp edges. This was a very dangerous situation, so I wrapped it with electrical tape for safety.I wish that was the only problem; however, I found lifting my small outboard to be a real challenge. There was no way to lift the motor with three fingers. I had to use both hands, and I needed a lot of effort to lift it up. I never did get the opportunity to use it on the water. Why? Because, I had the motor mounted, and I drove my boat approximately 20 highway miles to the Marine shop. By the time I arrived, I noticed that my motor was not sitting straight.The white plastic base broke all the way across. There was only a small piece of plastic holding it on. I almost lost my motor on the highway. Look at the pictures.I immediately filed to return the product; because, it broke. They do not pay return shipping. Then the biggest frustration of all was revealed! I received the RMA response.The email response: "I am sorry to hear the outboard motor bracket broke. We can replace this for you but you cannot use this mount nor ANY mount with the motor on it on the highway, as per the instructions. I have attached a copy of our instructions, which are included with any orders."Are you kidding? I purchased an outboard kicker mount that I cannot use to carry the motor on the highway? I am supposed to remove the motor every time I travel with the boat on the trailer. In addition, the email claims that this motor restriction/limitation information was printed in the instructions. I copied the instructions, and share them for your benefit. I don't see that disclaimer anywhere. I would not buy a kicker bracket unless I could leave my motor on it during travel.I do not recommend this Kicker Mount to anyone for use with an outboard motor. I think it would be fine with an electric trolling motor; however, I still would not be happy to remove it every time I go fishing. I hope this helps you to make an informed decision. Also note that I talked with Amazon about the shipping charges, and they promised to cover those, since the manufacturer refuses.Outboard Motor Bracket InstructionsNote: Transom mounting hardware has not been supplied due to various transom depths. Mounting Instructions Step 1Measure the distance between the top of the mounting clamp to the bottom of the cavitation plate.Subtract 2” from this length.Once you have determined the above length, add 10.5” to this length. Step 2Once you have determined the above length, mark this distance on a stick. Choose the best mounting position on your transom for the motor. Make sure to select a position that will not interfere with the turning of the motor. Step 3Position your outboard motor bracket, with the stick taped on, so that the bottom of the stick is 1” above the bottom of your boat. Step 4With the outboard motor bracket positioned in the appropriate location, mark the four mounting holes as a template. Drill the four holes, making sure to hold the drill at the appropriate angle of the transom.Notes:• If your transom is less than 2” thick, it is recommended that you use a backing plate to ensure maximum rigidity.• Always use a safety cable when operating your motor.• Operate the motor in the lowest possible location to achieve best performance.• Always raise the motor when note in use. Lowering and Raising the MotorNote: The springs in the outboard motor bracket are meant to counter the weight of your motor. If you are using a particularly light motor, more pressure may be needed when raising and lowering the motor.To Lower Motor: Loosen the plastic black tightening screws if needed. Grasp the motor and slowly lower it to the desired height.To Raise Motor: Pull lever handle towards the boat to disengage locking pin. Grasp motor and lift up to desired height. Release lever handle; the locking pin will lock the motor into place.

Have not used as yet, but appears to be good, sturdy design and a good value particularly made with stainless steel instead of aluminum. Finish could use some improvement. Metal parts are stamped out and assembled without first removing stamping burrs on the edges. The edges are sharp and will cut easily if not careful handling and parts also bind and scrape each other as a result of burrs. Suggest disassemble and smooth all edges before installing.Also, instructions say to pull handle towards boat to disengage for adjustment. This is not possible as will only push locking bar into locking slots in configuration as delivered.

Easy to install as any other mount. Could be crushed if back into an immovable object. As with all swingup mounts, you can't overtightened bolts on the moving parts. Works well with a four horse long shaft motor. Wish the grip on the lifting handle was wider. You can only get three fingers on it. Like the multiple adjustments for height.

we bought this for a 5 hp Honda 4 stroke on our 20 ft star craft omc sterndrive v8. it was easy to mount and is well made. it worked well in the ocean on our first try. it looks nice on the boat too.

Very unsure on the durability crap ton of sway and flex plus to remove the motor when trailering why the hell do I want to remove my motor every time I move it. Nylon plate not very sturdy half of it is unsupported by bolts. No washers so raising and lowering is s chore. It’s flimsiness is mostly due to it being 4 inches wide if that it it was wide it would be much sturdier will def need to reinforce and modify.

All stainless stamped construction about 1/16" thick, stainless nylock nuts (metric). Motor pad is 7.25" wide by 10.25" tall. Mounting bracket to transom is 5.75" wide by 5.5". Very solid for a good price. Springs work well lifting my 8hp 2 stroke (75 lbs). Tip: Lubricate hinging areas with oil since stainless on stainless creates high friction. Good instructions supplied. Very pleased.

I had to insert a 4 x 6 x 1 /1/2 plate when I mounted the bracket to the back of the boat because my kicker motor has a short shaft and where I had to mount the bracket the arm that locks the bracket was hitting on the back of my boat. The spacer fixed the problem. I also added a bar to the top of the locking bracket so I didn't need to reach down behind the boat to lock the bracket up. It should work great.

Of good quality attachment plate to transum is smaller than most which enabled placement in tight space. Received the item 2nd. Day in Alaska.