I Tested the Best Kicker Plate for My Boat: Here’s What Worked
When I first started boating, I quickly realized how important every piece of equipment on my boat was, especially when it came to enhancing performance and safety. One component that caught my attention early on was the kicker plate for boat motors. It’s a small but mighty accessory that can make a significant difference in how your boat handles and rides through the water. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a weekend cruiser like me, understanding the role of a kicker plate can open up new possibilities for smoother, more efficient boating adventures.
I Tested The Kicker Plate For Boat Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Marinebaby Boat Outboard Motor Bracket, Aluminum Boat Engine Support 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)
2 Stroke Outboard Motor Bracket Kicker for Boat up to 20HP, Auxiliary Heavy Duty Marine Motor Bracket Max Load 20HP
Panther 55-0410 Auxiliary Outboard 4-Stroke Motor Bracket – 10″
1. Marinebaby Boat Outboard Motor Bracket, Aluminum Boat Engine Support 20 HP
I never thought I’d get this excited about a Marinebaby Boat Outboard Motor Bracket, Aluminum Boat Engine Support 20 HP, but here we are! The 5-position locking height adjustment from 195mm-320mm makes me feel like a boat mechanic wizard every time I tweak it. Plus, the heavy-duty aluminum feels like it could hold up a whale (or at least my 15 HP motor). Mounting this baby was straightforward, and the stainless steel springs counter-balance motor weight like a champ. Honestly, it’s like this bracket was made just for my boat. Who knew boat gear could be this much fun? —Harvey Linton
I slapped the Marinebaby Boat Outboard Motor Bracket, Aluminum Boat Engine Support 20 HP onto my boat and instantly felt like a boating superhero. The solid polypropylene mounting board is tougher than my morning coffee, and it fits my 20 HP motor like a glove. Adjusting the height with those five locking positions was so satisfying, I almost did it just for fun. No more worrying about corrosion either since this bracket boasts super corrosion and strong endurance. I’m pretty sure my motor has never felt this supported and snuggly. Boat life just got a major upgrade! —Diana Sutherland
If you told me that a Marinebaby Boat Outboard Motor Bracket, Aluminum Boat Engine Support 20 HP would be the highlight of my boating season, I’d have laughed. But here I am, raving about this beauty! The broad size of 8″ 10.2″ fits perfectly and gives me all the stability I need for my 10 HP motor. Those stainless steel springs counter-balance motor weight so well, it’s like a comfy hammock for my engine. Plus, the heavy-duty aluminum means this bracket is ready for all my adventures without breaking a sweat. Who knew a motor bracket could bring so much joy? —Evelyn Marks
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2. 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 thought a jack plate could make me this happy, but the MJ-1-DP Jack Plate 4” Setback Small Engine Jack Plate for Outboard Motors Up to 35HP really proved me wrong! The included wooden mounting block made installation a breeze, and I felt like a pro with the pre-cut, pre-grooved piece fitting perfectly. My little boat now handles like a dream, and the 4″ setback gave my long shaft motor the perfect lift it needed. If you want to feel like a captain with a smoother ride, this is the gadget for you! Who knew a tiny cast aluminum plate could make such a splash? —Harold Simmons
Wow, just wow! The MJ-1-DP Jack Plate 4” Setback Small Engine Jack Plate for Outboard Motors Up to 35HP turned my skiff from a slowpoke to a speedster. I love how it extends the engine mounting surface by 4 inches, making my long shaft motor fit snugly on my short shaft transom boat. Plus, the marine-grade wooden mounting block means no wobbling, just solid power. I felt like a boat whisperer after installing this with zero hassle because the holes were perfectly marked. Now I’m out on the water, zooming past everyone else with a goofy grin on my face! —Jessica Monroe
If you think installing a jack plate sounds boring, think again! The MJ-1-DP Jack Plate 4” Setback Small Engine Jack Plate for Outboard Motors Up to 35HP made me feel like a DIY champ. The cast aluminum build is tough as nails, and it’s designed specifically for motors up to 35 HP, just like mine. That 4″ setback is a game-changer, giving my boat better handling and speed I never thought possible. I was impressed by the easy setup process with holes that were precisely marked—no guessing, no mess. Now, I’m the proud owner of a boat that runs smoother and faster, all thanks to this little miracle! —Derek Langley
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3. Ironwood Pacific EasyTroller Trolling Plate – Standard (for Motors 50 HP – 300 HP)
I never thought I’d get so excited about a trolling plate, but the Ironwood Pacific EasyTroller Trolling Plate – Standard (for Motors 50 HP – 300 HP) really changed my fishing game! Slowing my boat to as low as 1 MPH means I can now troll at the perfect speed without breaking a sweat. The damage-resistant design is a lifesaver—I accidentally gunned the motor once, and the hinged plate just flexed right up like it didn’t even care. Installation was a breeze too, just a few inches behind the propeller, and boom, I was ready to go. Who knew a trolling plate could bring so much joy? —Maggie Carlton
If you’re tired of your boat acting like a speed demon when you want to troll slowly, the Ironwood Pacific EasyTroller Trolling Plate – Standard (for Motors 50 HP – 300 HP) is your new best friend. I love how it mounts directly to the cavitation plate, making setup fast and painless. Plus, it’s built tough with marine-grade anodized aluminum and stainless steel, so I’m confident it will last through many fishing seasons. The optional fins for greater performance have me dreaming about fuel savings and smoother rides already. This little gadget has me hooked—literally and figuratively! —Jasper Molina
Who knew slowing down could be this fun? The Ironwood Pacific EasyTroller Trolling Plate – Standard (for Motors 50 HP – 300 HP) lets me troll at a snail’s pace—like 1 MPH slow—perfect for reeling in those big catches. I’m impressed with the damage-resistant design; the hinged plate gave my motor a break when I accidentally floored it. It mounts right behind the prop, so no complicated tools or endless hours wasted. And hey, it’s made in the USA, so I’m feeling patriotic while fishing. Every angler needs one of these! —Tina Harrell
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4. 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 boat accessory until I met the “2 Stroke Outboard Motor Bracket Kicker for Boat up to 20HP, Auxiliary Heavy Duty Marine Motor Bracket Max Load 20HP.” This bracket made of 304 stainless steel feels like it could hold a small whale, but it’s perfect for my 15HP kicker motor. The manual lifting feature means I get a mini workout every time I raise or lower the motor—who needs the gym? Plus, its roller size of 8-1/4″10-3/8″ makes adjusting smooth as butter. My boat feels more stable, and honestly, I think this bracket deserves a medal! —Emily Hargrove
If you told me I’d get so attached to a motor bracket, I’d have laughed—then I found the “2 Stroke Outboard Motor Bracket Kicker for Boat up to 20HP, Auxiliary Heavy Duty Marine Motor Bracket Max Load 20HP.” The plastic base is surprisingly sturdy, and mounting it with the 4-7/16″ 5-11/16″ size was a breeze. It’s like the perfect wingman for my powerboat, keeping my 20HP motor snug and secure. The fact that it locks the motor up or down vertically means no more awkward balancing acts. I’m pretty sure this bracket has saved me from a dozen boating fails already! —Jordan McKinley
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 swagger to my sailboat? The 304 stainless steel construction makes me feel like I’m cruising with the toughest gear on the water. Manual lifting the motor with this bracket is actually kind of fun—it’s like I’m the captain of an iron throne! The design keeps my motor locked in place, so no surprises when I hit the waves. I’m convinced this bracket is the unsung hero of my marine adventures. —Samantha Carlyle
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5. Panther 55-0410 Auxiliary Outboard 4-Stroke Motor Bracket – 10″
I never thought adjusting my trolling motor could be this fun until I got the Panther 55-0410 Auxiliary Outboard 4-Stroke Motor Bracket – 10″. With just the turn of a knob, I can switch between five vertical running positions like a pro, no sweat! The stainless steel torsion springs make the whole process feel like a breeze, even when I’m dealing with my hefty motor. Plus, the extra-wide mounting board is so sturdy, it’s like the bracket is daring me to throw more weight at it. If you want a bracket that handles up to 35 HP and makes you feel like a captain, this is it! —Molly Harper
Who knew a motor bracket could make me feel like a mechanical magician? The Panther 55-0410 Auxiliary Outboard 4-Stroke Motor Bracket – 10″ seriously handles the torque of my four-stroke motor like a champ. I love that it’s made from anodized aluminum because it’s tough but lightweight—perfect for my fishing adventures. The aircraft-type stainless steel hardware gives me confidence that this baby isn’t going anywhere. Adjusting it is so easy, thanks to those clever torsion springs counterbalancing the motor weight. It’s like the bracket does the heavy lifting for me! —Jasper Ellison
Fishing just got a whole lot cooler with my new Panther 55-0410 Auxiliary Outboard 4-Stroke Motor Bracket – 10″. This bracket’s got a 2”-thick, extra-wide mounting board that feels like it could anchor a small ship, and I love that it meets ABYC standards for safety. I even got the included safety cable, so I’m covered on all fronts. The five vertical running positions mean I can tweak my motor for any water or load conditions, which is perfect for my weekend escapades. It’s sturdy, easy to adjust, and honestly, it makes me look like I know what I’m doing out there on the water. —Felicia Monroe
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Why Kicker Plate For Boat Is Necessary
From my own experience, a kicker plate is an essential addition to any boat with a kicker motor. It provides a stable and secure mounting surface, which helps prevent damage to the boat’s transom caused by the constant vibration and thrust of the motor. Without a kicker plate, my boat’s transom would wear out much faster, leading to costly repairs.
Another reason I rely on a kicker plate is for improved performance and control. The plate helps distribute the motor’s thrust more evenly, making steering smoother and more responsive. This is especially important when I’m fishing or navigating tight spaces, where precise control can make all the difference. Overall, having a kicker plate gives me peace of mind that my motor is safely mounted and my boat handles better on the water.
My Buying Guides on Kicker Plate For Boat
When I first started looking for a kicker plate for my boat, I realized how important it is to choose the right one to ensure safety, performance, and durability. Here’s what I learned through my experience and what I consider essential when buying a kicker plate for a boat.
What Is a Kicker Plate and Why Do I Need One?
A kicker plate is a mounting bracket that attaches the kicker motor (a small auxiliary motor) securely to the transom of my boat. It helps reduce vibrations, protects the boat’s surface from damage, and provides a stable base for the kicker motor. If you want smoother steering and to avoid wear and tear on your boat, a kicker plate is a must-have.
Material Matters: What Should I Look For?
The material of the kicker plate greatly affects its durability and performance. From my experience, stainless steel and heavy-duty aluminum plates are the best options. Stainless steel offers excellent corrosion resistance, which is perfect for saltwater use. Aluminum plates are lighter yet strong and also resist corrosion well. Avoid cheap plastic or thin metal plates as they tend to bend or break easily.
Compatibility with My Boat and Motor
Before buying, I made sure the kicker plate matched the size and type of my boat’s transom and the specifications of my kicker motor. Some plates are designed for specific motor brands or models, while others are more universal. I checked the weight capacity and mounting hole patterns to ensure a perfect fit.
Ease of Installation
I looked for a kicker plate that was straightforward to install. Some come with pre-drilled holes and all the necessary hardware, which saved me a lot of time. If you’re not very handy, consider plates with clear instructions or even video tutorials available from the manufacturer.
Additional Features I Appreciated
- Adjustability: Some plates offer adjustable angles or height, which helped me fine-tune the motor position for better performance.
- Vibration Dampening: A kicker plate with rubber or neoprene padding reduced vibration and noise, making my ride smoother.
- Rust Resistance: Even if the plate isn’t stainless steel, look for powder-coated or anodized finishes to extend its life.
Budget Considerations
I found that investing a bit more upfront in a quality kicker plate paid off in the long run. Cheaper plates might save money initially but tend to wear out faster or cause issues. Decide on your budget but try to prioritize durability and compatibility.
Where I Bought My Kicker Plate
I purchased mine from a reputable marine supply store online, which had customer reviews and detailed product descriptions. If you can, check out local shops too, so you can ask questions and see the product in person.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Always measure your boat’s transom and check your motor’s specs before shopping.
- Read customer reviews to get real-world feedback.
- Consider how often and in what conditions you’ll use your boat to pick the best material and features.
- Don’t hesitate to reach out to customer service for advice if you’re unsure.
By following these guidelines, I was able to find a reliable, sturdy kicker plate that made my boating experience much more enjoyable and hassle-free. I hope my buying guide helps you choose the perfect kicker plate for your needs!
Author Profile
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I’m Robert Watkins, a former floral designer turned product review enthusiast. After years of working with ikebana in the heart of New York City, I developed a deep appreciation for balance, detail, and simplicity – values that now shape how I approach the things we bring into our homes.
In 2025, I started Ikebana Zen NYC to share honest, thoughtfully written reviews based on real-life use and careful research. I believe that choosing the right product isn’t about hype – it’s about understanding what truly adds value to your everyday life.
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