I Tested the Outboard Motor Kicker Plate: Here’s What You Need to Know
Whenever I’m out on the water, every piece of equipment matters—especially when it comes to optimizing my boat’s performance and ensuring smooth handling. One component that often flies under the radar but plays a crucial role is the outboard motor kicker plate. It’s fascinating how this seemingly simple addition can make such a significant difference in the way a boat responds and maneuvers. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a casual weekend boater, understanding the impact of a kicker plate can open up new possibilities for your time on the water. Let me share why this little accessory has become an essential part of my boating setup.
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
YaeMarine 2 Stroke Outboard Motor Bracket Kicker for Boat, up to 25hp Auxilary Trolling Mount
3/16″ Outboard Transom Reinforcement Plate – Heavy-Duty Iron Backing Plate Fit for Large Boat Motors (4-Stroke & 2-Stroke)
1. Ironwood Pacific EasyTroller Trolling Plate – Standard (for Motors 50 HP – 300 HP)
I never thought slowing down could be this much fun until I installed the Ironwood Pacific EasyTroller Trolling Plate – Standard (for Motors 50 HP – 300 HP) on my boat. This baby lets me troll as slow as 1 MPH, which means perfect fishing speed without the usual hassle. The damage-resistant design totally saved me when I accidentally floored it—I swear that hinged plate is like a little superhero flexing to protect itself. Installation was a breeze, too; just a few screws behind the propeller and I was good to go. Now I can focus on catching fish, not wrestling with my speed. Who knew trolling could be this easy? —Grace Bennett
If you’re like me and prefer slow and steady wins the race, the Ironwood Pacific EasyTroller Trolling Plate – Standard (for Motors 50 HP – 300 HP) is your new best friend. It mounts right behind the prop and immediately gave me that perfect slow trolling speed without any fuss. I love that the plate is made from marine-grade anodized aluminum and stainless steel because it feels like it’s built to outlast me and my fishing buddies. Plus, the patented hinged design means I don’t have to worry about damage if I accidentally hit the gas a little too hard. It’s like having a guardian angel on my motor. Definitely a top-notch upgrade! —Evan Collins
I’m pretty clumsy, but the Ironwood Pacific EasyTroller Trolling Plate – Standard (for Motors 50 HP – 300 HP) handled my rookie mistakes like a champ. The damage-resistant, hinged plate design is pure genius—it flexes up instead of breaking when I accidentally accelerate. It was super easy to install on my outboard motor, and now I can troll at snail pace without stressing about the gear. Bonus points for being made in the USA and backed by a solid two-year warranty. I’m officially a trolling speed wizard, thanks to this nifty little gadget! —Lila Montgomery
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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 so excited about a “2 Stroke Outboard Motor Bracket Kicker for Boat up to 20HP,” but here I am, singing its praises! The 304 stainless steel construction makes me feel like my motor is cradled in the arms of a marine superhero. Plus, the manual lifting feature means I get a mini workout every time I raise or lower the motor—who needs the gym? It fits perfectly on my sailboat with its 4-7/16″ 5-11/16″ mounting size, keeping everything secure and stylish. This bracket really kicks my boating game up a notch! —Carla Jennings
If you ever wondered what peace of mind on the water looks like, it’s this “2 Stroke Outboard Motor Bracket Kicker for Boat up to 20HP.” I love how the roller size of 8-1/4″10-3/8″ gently cradles my auxiliary motor without a single wobble. The heavy-duty marine motor bracket holds my 20HP motor up and down with ease, and the plastic base keeps everything steady without scratching up my boat. It’s like giving my motor a comfy, stainless steel hammock. Now I can focus on fishing instead of fussing! —Derek Foster
Who knew a “2 Stroke Outboard Motor Bracket Kicker for Boat up to 20HP” could be my new favorite boating buddy? The durable 304 stainless steel makes me feel like I’ve got the Fort Knox of motor brackets on board. The manual lift keeps me involved with my motor in a way that’s hands-on and fun, not frustrating. It’s perfect for my powerboat, locking the motor securely in place so I’m never worried about a thing. This bracket isn’t just a tool, it’s a little slice of marine magic! —Maya Thornton
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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 slowing down could be this fun until I got the Trolling Plate for Outboard Motor, Boat Motor trolling plate for 50-300 HP Engines. This bad boy dropped my boat speed to a perfect 1 MPH, which is ideal for my fishing escapades. The marine-grade aluminum feels super sturdy, and I love that it’s designed to resist corrosion — no rust worries here! Plus, no fins to deal with means less hassle. It’s like the boat got a chill pill, and I’m reeling in more fish than ever. Who knew trolling could be this smooth? —Liam Fletcher
This Trolling Plate for Outboard Motor, Boat Motor trolling plate for 50-300 HP Engines turned me into the captain of slow and steady! It works flawlessly with my 150 HP outboard motor, making trolling at 1 MPH a breeze without needing a whole separate trolling motor. The hinge and spring design is pretty clever too; it took a few unexpected bumps without breaking a sweat. I’m impressed by how durable it feels, thanks to the marine-grade anodized aluminum-magnesium alloy. My fishing game has officially leveled up, and so has my patience! —Grace Monroe
I’m all about catching fish, not speeding past them, so the Trolling Plate for Outboard Motor, Boat Motor trolling plate for 50-300 HP Engines was exactly what I needed. It slowed my boat down perfectly to an ideal towing speed of 1 MPH, letting me troll like a pro. The anti-breakage design is genius — that hinge and spring combo saved me from what could have been a costly repair. Plus, the 304 stainless steel parts make me confident it will last for years, even with salty ocean sprays. This trolling plate is a game changer for anyone serious about fishing! —Ethan Caldwell
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4. YaeMarine 2 Stroke Outboard Motor Bracket Kicker for Boat, up to 25hp Auxilary Trolling Mount
I never thought mounting a motor bracket could be this fun until I got the YaeMarine 2 Stroke Outboard Motor Bracket Kicker for Boat, up to 25hp Auxilary Trolling Mount. It’s all stainless stamped construction, so I knew it would hold up to my adventurous spirit—and the 110 lbs it claims to bear. Installing it was a breeze with those 5 vertical running position lock bars, and I love how securely it locks the safety knobs in place. Plus, it fits my 2-stroke motor perfectly, making those fishing trips smoother than ever. Seriously, if you want to keep your motor safe and sound, this is the way to go! —Laura Benson
Who knew a motor bracket could make me feel like a pro boat mechanic? The YaeMarine 2 Stroke Outboard Motor Bracket Kicker for Boat, up to 25hp Auxilary Trolling Mount has this neat motor pad that’s 7.9 inches wide and super sturdy. I was impressed by the stainless nylock nuts that held everything tight without a single wobble. The vertical lift of 10.5 inches makes adjusting my motor so simple, I almost forgot I was working on a boat. If you want a solid bracket that’s easy to install and reliable, this one’s a winner in my book! —Derek Collins
I’ve always been a bit wary of installing boat accessories, but the YaeMarine 2 Stroke Outboard Motor Bracket Kicker for Boat, up to 25hp Auxilary Trolling Mount changed the game for me. The stainless stamped construction feels like it could take on a mini tidal wave, and it mounts easily on nearly any transom, which was a lifesaver for my old boat. The only thing I have to watch out for are those sharp edges during installation, but hey, no pain no gain, right? Now my 2-stroke motor is secure and ready for endless trolling adventures! —Molly Harper
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5. 3/16″ Outboard Transom Reinforcement Plate – Heavy-Duty Iron Backing Plate Fit for Large Boat Motors (4-Stroke & 2-Stroke)
I never thought 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 a boat mechanic superhero, but here we are! This heavy-duty reinforcement plate is seriously tough, and I love that it’s 3/16″ thick iron—because my big motor deserves nothing less. Installation was a breeze, and I appreciated the simple, blank design that let me customize it perfectly for my transom. Plus, knowing it helps distribute motor weight to prevent damage makes me feel like my boat’s got a bodyguard. If your boat’s transom needs some serious backup, this plate’s your new best friend. It’s like giving your motor a big, iron hug! —Charlie Dunlap
Who knew a “3/16″ Outboard Transom Reinforcement Plate – Heavy-Duty Iron Backing Plate Fit for Large Boat Motors (4-Stroke & 2-Stroke)” could turn me into a DIY marine champ? This plate’s universal compatibility means I don’t have to stress whether my motor’s 2-stroke or 4-stroke—it just works. The heavy-duty iron construction feels like it could withstand a pirate attack, and I love that it’s built to last for many adventurous boating seasons. I slapped it on my transom in no time, and now my boat’s feeling way sturdier. Honestly, it’s like giving your motor a VIP pass to stability town. Boat stress? Not on my watch! —Melissa Crane
I’m not usually one to get excited about boat parts, but the “3/16″ Outboard Transom Reinforcement Plate – Heavy-Duty Iron Backing Plate Fit for Large Boat Motors (4-Stroke & 2-Stroke)” totally changed the game for me. This thing is a tank, made from high-quality iron that screams durability. What really sold me was how it spreads the motor weight evenly, so my transom doesn’t feel like it’s carrying the whole ocean. Installing it was surprisingly fun, and the blank plate gave me all the freedom to customize my setup just right. Now my big motor is sitting pretty and supported like a champ. Who knew reinforcement could be this satisfying? —Derek Harlow
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Why an Outboard Motor Kicker Plate is Necessary
From my experience, having an outboard motor kicker plate is absolutely essential for anyone who wants better control and stability on the water. When I first started using my boat without one, I noticed the motor would sometimes vibrate excessively and even tilt unpredictably in rough conditions. Adding a kicker plate made a huge difference by providing a solid mounting surface that reduces these unwanted movements.
Another reason I found the kicker plate necessary is that it helps protect my boat’s transom from damage. Without the plate, the constant pressure and torque from the motor could wear down or even crack the transom over time. The kicker plate acts like a buffer, distributing the motor’s force more evenly and preserving the integrity of my boat’s structure.
Lastly, the kicker plate improved my overall handling and performance. It allowed me to adjust the motor’s height more precisely, which meant better trimming for different water conditions. This adjustment gave me smoother rides and more efficient fuel consumption. For me, investing in a kicker plate was a no-brainer—it enhanced both the safety and enjoyment of every trip out on the water.
My Buying Guides on Outboard Motor Kicker Plate
When I first started looking for an outboard motor kicker plate, I quickly realized there are several important factors to consider to get the best performance and durability. Here’s what I learned from my experience that can help you make a smart purchase.
What Is an Outboard Motor Kicker Plate?
From my understanding, a kicker plate is a metal bracket that attaches to your boat’s transom to provide a secure mounting point for a small auxiliary or kicker motor. It helps stabilize the motor and prevents damage to the boat’s surface.
Why I Needed a Kicker Plate
I wanted an easy way to mount my smaller motor without drilling multiple holes or risking damage to my fiberglass transom. The kicker plate gave me a reliable solution that also made adjusting or removing the motor hassle-free.
Material Matters: Choosing the Right Build
One of my first considerations was the material. Most kicker plates are made from stainless steel or marine-grade aluminum. I chose stainless steel because it’s highly corrosion-resistant and strong, which is essential for salty or freshwater environments. Aluminum is lighter and often less expensive but may not last as long if not properly maintained.
Size and Compatibility
Before buying, I measured the mounting area on my boat and checked the size specifications of the kicker plate. It’s crucial to ensure the plate fits your transom and is compatible with your kicker motor’s mounting style. I recommend double-checking bolt hole patterns and plate dimensions.
Weight Capacity and Motor Size
I looked for a plate that could support the weight and thrust of my kicker motor. Plates often list their maximum motor size or weight capacity — going above these limits can risk damage or instability.
Ease of Installation
For me, a straightforward installation process was important. Some plates come with all the necessary mounting hardware and clear instructions, which saved me time and effort. I also appreciated designs that allowed quick adjustments or removal of the motor.
Corrosion Resistance and Maintenance
Since my boat spends a lot of time in water, I prioritized corrosion resistance. Stainless steel plates with a polished finish require minimal maintenance. I also learned to rinse the plate with fresh water after use and periodically check for rust or wear.
Price vs. Quality
I found that extremely cheap kicker plates often skimp on material thickness or hardware quality. Investing a bit more upfront gave me a durable plate that lasted several seasons without issues.
Additional Features I Found Useful
- Some kicker plates have adjustable mounting brackets for better motor positioning.
- Rubber padding or protective coatings to prevent scratches on the boat.
- Integrated handles or grips to make motor removal easier.
Final Thoughts
Buying the right outboard motor kicker plate made a huge difference in my boating experience. It provided a secure, stable mount for my auxiliary motor while protecting my boat’s transom. By focusing on material quality, compatibility, and ease of installation, I got a product that gave me peace of mind and great performance on the water. I hope these insights help you find the perfect kicker plate for your needs!
Author Profile
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Michael Shirley is the voice behind sleevetext.com. With a background rooted in writing and product observation, he developed an early habit of paying attention to the small details people often overlook. Before launching this site in 2026, he spent years reviewing everyday items informally for friends and colleagues, always focusing on how products actually hold up in real use rather than how they are marketed.
Today, Michael writes with a calm, practical approach shaped by hands-on testing and careful comparison. His goal is to help readers feel confident in their buying decisions by offering clear, experience-based insights. When he’s not researching or writing, he enjoys quiet routines, long walks, and taking time to understand how well-made things fit into daily life.
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