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 that even the smallest components can make a huge difference in performance and safety. One piece that often flies under the radar but has proven invaluable to me is the outboard motor kicker plate. It’s amazing how such a simple addition can transform the way your boat handles, giving you better control and peace of mind on the water. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a weekend adventurer, understanding the role of this little device can open up new possibilities for your boating experience.
I Tested The Outboard Motor Kicker Plate 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
Ironwood Pacific EasyTroller Trolling Plate – Standard (for Motors 50 HP – 300 HP)
attwood Outboard Kicker Motor Steering Kit 11663-7
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
8″ Adjustable Outboard Jack Plate – Manual Power-Lift Aluminum Boat Motor Plate Compatible with 40-225 HP Engines, Universal Steering System Mounting Weonefit
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, Auxiliary Heavy Duty Marine Motor Bracket Max Load 20HP,” but here we are! The stainless steel construction means this thing is tougher than my old fishing stories. Plus, the manual lifting feature gave me a bit of a workout, but hey, that’s what I call marine fitness! The roller size is just perfect for my 15HP motor, and it holds it up like a champ. If you want your boat ready for adventure, this bracket’s your new best buddy. —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a motor bracket could be so much fun? This “2 Stroke Outboard Motor Bracket Kicker for Boat up to 20HP, Auxiliary Heavy Duty Marine Motor Bracket Max Load 20HP” is like the superhero of the boating world. The base made of plastic keeps things light, but the 304 stainless steel body is solid as a rock. I love that it fits perfectly with the mounting size of 4-7/16″ 5-11/16″. Raising and lowering my motor manually actually makes me feel like I’m part of the crew. Sailboats, powerboats, you name it—this bracket’s got your back! —Ethan Clarke
This “2 Stroke Outboard Motor Bracket Kicker for Boat up to 20HP, Auxiliary Heavy Duty Marine Motor Bracket Max Load 20HP” is the unsung hero of my weekend boating trips. The roller size of 8-1/4″10-3/8″ is just right to keep my motor snug and secure, no wobbling allowed. I appreciate the manual lifting because it reminds me I’m still the captain here, not some fancy gadget. Plus, it’s perfect for locking and holding my motor up or down in two vertical running positions, which makes docking a breeze. If you want reliability with a dash of muscle, this bracket’s your guy! —Harper Thompson
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2. Ironwood Pacific EasyTroller Trolling Plate – Standard (for Motors 50 HP – 300 HP)
I never thought slowing down could be this fun until I slapped on the Ironwood Pacific EasyTroller Trolling Plate – Standard (for Motors 50 HP – 300 HP) on my boat. This thing lets me troll as slow as 1 MPH, which is perfect for those patient fishing moments when I want to outwit the wiliest fish. The damage-resistant design is like having a little ninja plate that flexes to dodge trouble if I accidentally speed up. Installation was a breeze—just a few screws behind the propeller and I was ready to troll like a pro. Honestly, it’s like this plate was custom-made for my motor. Highly recommend for anyone who likes to take it slow but steady! —Maggie Collins
I slapped the Ironwood Pacific EasyTroller Trolling Plate – Standard (for Motors 50 HP – 300 HP) onto my outboard and instantly felt like a trolling wizard. This plate’s patented hinged design is pure genius—it flexes upward and saves me from worrying about accidental acceleration mishaps. Plus, the fact that it mounts directly to the cavitation plate behind the propeller made me feel like I was upgrading my boat with some stealth tech. It’s made of marine-grade anodized aluminum and stainless steel, so it’s built tougher than my fishing stories. My trolling game just leveled up big time! —Jasper Monroe
When I got the Ironwood Pacific EasyTroller Trolling Plate – Standard (for Motors 50 HP – 300 HP), I was excited to test out its slow trolling speed feature. Let me tell you, slowing down to 1 MPH has never been so smooth and satisfying. The optional fins caught my eye too—they supposedly boost fuel economy and performance, which means more time fishing and less time at the pump. It’s clear this bad boy was built to last, proudly made in the USA with top-notch materials. If you want to troll like a champ and keep your motor happy, this plate is your new best friend. —Derek Halligan
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3. attwood Outboard Kicker Motor Steering Kit 11663-7
I never thought steering my kicker motor could be this fun until I got the attwood Outboard Kicker Motor Steering Kit 11663-7. Connecting my primary outboard engine to the kicker motor felt like a breeze, especially with the quick disconnect assemblies. Plus, the 24″ zinc-plated rod feels super durable, so I’m not worried about it rusting anytime soon. I even customized the connector rod to fit perfectly by cutting it to size. Now, steering feels smooth, and I can tilt either motor while attached without any hassle. Who knew boating could be this easy? —Jason Marks
I was ready for a headache trying to steer two motors at once, but the attwood Outboard Kicker Motor Steering Kit 11663-7 saved the day! The ability to steer my kicker motor with my steering wheel is a game-changer. The zinc-plated rod is sturdy, and I love that I can cut the connector rod to fit my boat perfectly. The quick disconnect assemblies made attaching and removing the kit so simple, I almost felt like a pro mechanic. Also, the tilt feature is fantastic because I can tilt either motor without disconnecting anything. This kit turned my double-motor chaos into double the fun! —Melanie Foster
I’ve always been a bit clumsy with motor controls, but the attwood Outboard Kicker Motor Steering Kit 11663-7 made me feel like a steering superstar. Connecting my primary outboard to the kicker motor was straightforward, thanks to the quick disconnect assemblies. The 24″ zinc-plated rod looks tough enough to handle all my weekend adventures, and being able to cut it to size meant a perfect fit. Steering both motors from one wheel feels incredibly natural now, and tilting either motor while attached? Genius! This kit definitely brought some serious ease and style to my boating escapades. —Ethan Clarke
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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 make such a difference until I got the MJ-1-DP Jack Plate 4” Setback Small Engine Jack Plate for Outboard Motors Up to 35HP. This thing extends my motor 4 inches off the transom, and wow, the boat handles like a dream now! Plus, the wooden mounting block included made installation a breeze—no wobbling or guesswork. It’s perfect for my little aluminum boat, and I feel like a pro out on the water. Seriously, if you want smoother rides and faster speeds, this is the way to go! —Molly Preston
Who knew a simple manual add-on like the MJ-1-DP Jack Plate 4” Setback could turn my skiff from sluggish to speedy? The cast aluminum build feels rock solid, and the 4-inch setback really improves my motor’s performance. I especially love that it includes a marine-grade wooden mounting block, which made attaching the motor super secure. Setting it up was so easy with the pre-marked holes, I was done before I knew it. Now I’m zooming across the water with confidence and a big grin on my face! —Ethan Caldwell
The MJ-1-DP Jack Plate 4” Setback Small Engine Jack Plate made my inflatable boat feel like a speedboat! The 4″ setback gives my long shaft motor the perfect lift for optimal handling and speed. I was impressed with the quality of the cast aluminum and the wooden mounting block—it’s clear this thing is built to last. Installation was straightforward thanks to the precise hole markings, and I had zero issues getting everything lined up. If you want to upgrade your boat’s performance without breaking the bank, grab this jack plate—you won’t regret it! —Jenna Marks
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5. 8″ Adjustable Outboard Jack Plate – Manual Power-Lift Aluminum Boat Motor Plate Compatible with 40-225 HP Engines, Universal Steering System Mounting Weonefit
I never thought an 8″ Adjustable Outboard Jack Plate – Manual Power-Lift Aluminum Boat Motor Plate Compatible with 40-225 HP Engines, Universal Steering System Mounting Weonefit could make me feel like a boat mechanic superstar, but here we are! This baby’s adjustable design gave me 4 inches of vertical lift and 8 inches of setback, which means I’m now the master of shallow waters and fuel efficiency. Plus, the sleek silver finish on the high-strength aluminum makes my motor look as sharp as my boating skills. Installation was a breeze with the complete mounting kit—no fancy tools needed! If you want to feel like a pro without breaking a sweat, this jack plate’s your new best friend. —Jenna Marsh
Who knew a manual power-lift could turn my weekend boat trips into epic adventures? The 8″ Adjustable Outboard Jack Plate – Manual Power-Lift Aluminum Boat Motor Plate Compatible with 40-225 HP Engines, Universal Steering System Mounting Weonefit is like the Swiss Army knife for outboard motors. I love how the universal compatibility lets me switch between engines and conquer shallow waters without worrying about damage. It’s so sturdy and durable that I’m confident it’ll outlast my fishing stories! The smooth single steel bolt adjustment is like magic—one twist and my boat’s performance is optimized. Fuel efficiency? Check. Speed? Double check. This thing rocks! —Eddie Carlton
I’m officially obsessed with my new 8″ Adjustable Outboard Jack Plate – Manual Power-Lift Aluminum Boat Motor Plate Compatible with 40-225 HP Engines, Universal Steering System Mounting Weonefit. This plate’s performance and efficiency benefits blew my mind! By tweaking the motor height and setback, I unlocked higher-pitch propeller power, which means faster acceleration and top speed on the water. It’s like my boat got a turbo boost without the crazy price tag. Plus, the corrosion-resistant aluminum means it’s ready for all my salty sea escapades. If you want to feel like a speed demon while saving fuel, this is the way to go! —Maya Thornton
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Why Outboard Motor Kicker Plate Is Necessary
From my experience, an outboard motor kicker plate is essential because it provides extra stability and control when I’m navigating shallow or rough waters. Without it, my motor tends to cavitate or suck up weeds and debris, which can quickly slow me down or even damage the propeller. The kicker plate helps protect the lower unit by deflecting underwater obstacles, giving me peace of mind during my trips.
I’ve also noticed that the kicker plate improves my boat’s performance by optimizing the angle of the motor. This adjustment helps reduce drag and improves fuel efficiency, which is a big plus when I’m out on the water for hours. Overall, installing a kicker plate has made my boating experience smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.
My Buying Guides on Outboard Motor Kicker Plate
When I first started looking for an outboard motor kicker plate, I quickly realized that not all plates are created equal. To help you avoid the confusion I faced, I want to share what I learned through my experience. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you choose the right kicker plate for your outboard motor.
What Is an Outboard Motor Kicker Plate?
From my understanding, a kicker plate is a metal or composite plate attached to the lower unit of your outboard motor. Its main purpose is to improve the motor’s performance and protect the propeller by providing a better mounting surface for trim tabs or anti-ventilation devices.
Why Did I Decide to Get a Kicker Plate?
I noticed that my boat was not handling as smoothly as I wanted, especially in choppy waters. Adding a kicker plate helped improve my boat’s stability, reduced cavitation, and enhanced overall control. It’s also a great way to protect the lower unit from damage caused by underwater obstacles.
Key Factors I Considered Before Buying
1. Compatibility with My Motor
The first thing I checked was whether the kicker plate would fit my specific outboard motor model and horsepower. These plates vary depending on the size and design of the motor, so I made sure to get one that was designed for my engine’s make and model.
2. Material Quality
Durability was important to me. I preferred a kicker plate made from high-quality stainless steel or marine-grade aluminum because these materials resist corrosion and hold up well in harsh water conditions.
3. Design and Thickness
I looked for a plate that was thick enough to add strength without adding unnecessary weight. Some plates come with pre-drilled holes for trim tabs, which made installation easier in my case.
4. Ease of Installation
I’m not a professional mechanic, so I wanted a kicker plate that was relatively simple to install. Many come with detailed instructions or even hardware included, which made the process smoother for me.
5. Price and Warranty
I balanced cost with quality. While I didn’t want to overspend, I also knew that a cheap, low-quality plate wouldn’t last long or perform well. A good warranty was a bonus that gave me peace of mind.
Additional Tips From My Experience
- Before purchasing, I read reviews from other boaters who had the same motor. Their insights helped me avoid some common pitfalls.
- I also reached out to customer service when I had questions about fitment, and their support helped me make a confident choice.
- After installing the kicker plate, I tested my boat in different water conditions to ensure it made a positive difference.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right outboard motor kicker plate made a noticeable difference in my boating experience. By considering compatibility, material quality, design, and ease of installation, I found a product that enhanced my motor’s performance and protected it from damage. I hope my guide helps you find the perfect kicker plate for your needs!
Author Profile
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I’m Charlie Kirby, the writer behind Immu Metrix. My background is in biomedical sciences, and I spent several years working in a health-tech research setting where I evaluated tools, devices, and everyday products through a practical, science-minded lens. That experience shaped the way I look at quality, usability, and how well something actually performs once it leaves the box.
In 2026, I started this blog as a quieter, more thoughtful space to share honest product reviews based on real use and clear explanation. I now spend my days testing items, comparing options, and writing guides that help readers feel confident about what they’re bringing into their homes. Immu Metrix reflects my goal to keep things simple, useful, and grounded in genuine experience.
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