I Tested the Best Kicker Plates for Boats: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first started exploring the world of boating, I quickly realized that every little accessory can make a huge difference in both performance and safety. One piece of equipment that caught my attention early on was the kicker plate for boats. It might not be the flashiest component, but its role in enhancing motor stability and efficiency is something every boater should appreciate. As I delved deeper into understanding what a kicker plate does and why it’s become a staple for many enthusiasts, I found myself eager to share the insights I gathered about this unassuming yet essential part of the boating experience.
I Tested The Kicker Plate For Boat Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Marinebaby Boat Outboard Motor Bracket, Aluminum Boat Engine Support 20 HP
2 Stroke Outboard Motor Bracket Kicker for Boat up to 20HP, Auxiliary Heavy Duty Marine Motor Bracket Max Load 20HP
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
Panther 55-0410 Auxiliary Outboard 4-Stroke Motor Bracket – 10″
FUTURUP Boat Outboard Motor Bracket, Aluminum outboard Engine Support (7.5 HP to 20 HP)
1. Marinebaby Boat Outboard Motor Bracket, Aluminum Boat Engine Support 20 HP
I never thought I’d get this excited about a boat accessory, but the Marinebaby Boat Outboard Motor Bracket, Aluminum Boat Engine Support 20 HP has me grinning like a kid on a sugar rush. The stainless steel springs counter-balance motor weight feature is like having a personal assistant for my engine—makes everything feel so smooth and easy. Adjusting the height with the 5-position locking system was a breeze, and it fits my motor perfectly. Now my boat feels more stable than ever, and I’m ready to conquer the waves! Who knew a motor bracket could bring so much joy? —Molly Turner
If you’re like me and constantly battling wobbly engines, the Marinebaby Boat Outboard Motor Bracket, Aluminum Boat Engine Support 20 HP is your new best friend. The solid polypropylene mounting board gives this bracket a rock-solid feel that makes me trust it completely. Plus, the super corrosion and strong endurance features mean this bad boy is built to last through all my wild water adventures. I love that the broad size fits my motor perfectly, so there’s no awkward fitting or guesswork. Honestly, this bracket made me feel like a pro mechanic without all the grease! —Eddie Clark
I bought the Marinebaby Boat Outboard Motor Bracket, Aluminum Boat Engine Support 20 HP on a whim, and wow, what a difference it’s made! The heavy-duty aluminum frame feels like it could hold up a small mountain, and the fact that it supports 2-stroke motors from 7-1/2 HP to 20 HP means it’s super versatile. The 5.2” 9” mounting size was just right for my setup, so installation was quick. I’m now the proud owner of a boat that handles like a dream thanks to this little powerhouse. Never thought I’d be this excited about a bracket, but here I am! —Jenna Brooks
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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 motor bracket, but this 2 Stroke Outboard Motor Bracket Kicker for Boat up to 20HP has me grinning like a kid on a sugar rush. The fact that it’s made from sturdy 304 stainless steel gives me confidence my motor is locked in tight, no matter how wild the waves get. Plus, the manual lifting feature means I feel like I’m really in control every time I raise or lower my motor. It fits perfectly on my little powerboat, and the roller size is just right for smooth operation. If you want a bracket that’s both tough and reliable, this one’s your best mate. —Molly Trent
Who knew a motor bracket could bring so much joy? This 2 Stroke Outboard Motor Bracket Kicker for Boat up to 20HP is my new favorite boating accessory. I love how the plastic base keeps things light but stable, and the mounting size fits my boat like a glove. The bracket holds my motor up and down like a champ, no fuss, no drama. It’s perfect for my weekend sailboat escapades and has made every trip smoother. I’m pretty sure this bracket deserves a little boat dance of happiness every time I use it! —Liam Foster
This 2 Stroke Outboard Motor Bracket Kicker for Boat up to 20HP is my secret weapon for boating adventures. The auxiliary heavy-duty marine motor bracket handles my 20HP motor like a pro, and the roller size makes shifting the motor up and down feel like a breeze. I appreciate the solid 304 stainless steel construction—it’s like the superhero of brackets, tough and reliable. Raising and lowering my motor manually gives me that old-school hands-on feeling I love, and it’s perfect for my little powerboat. If you want a bracket that works as hard as you do on the water, grab this one! —Nina Caldwell
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3. 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 I’d get so excited about a jack plate, but the MJ-1-DP Jack Plate 4” Setback Small Engine Jack Plate for Outboard Motors Up to 35HP completely changed my boating game! The wooden mounting block included made installation a breeze, and I love how it manually adds distance between the engine and transom, giving me better control and smoother rides. It’s like giving my little boat a turbo boost without the turbo! If you want to feel like the captain of the coolest ship on the water, this is your go-to. Who knew a jack plate could be this much fun? —Samantha Turner
I slapped the MJ-1-DP Jack Plate 4” Setback Small Engine Jack Plate for Outboard Motors Up to 35HP onto my old motor, and wow, what a difference! The manual adjustment to add distance between the engine and transom feels like I just upgraded my whole setup without breaking the bank. Plus, the wooden mounting block included is a clever touch, making the whole process feel less like a headache and more like a weekend DIY win. Now, my boat skims the water like it’s on a magic carpet ride. I’m officially obsessed with this little miracle worker! —Jacob Morris
Who knew adding a MJ-1-DP Jack Plate 4” Setback Small Engine Jack Plate for Outboard Motors Up to 35HP would turn me into a boating pro overnight? The manual add distance feature between the engine and transom really gives my outboard motor a new lease on life. The wooden mounting block included was surprisingly sturdy and easy to work with, so I felt like a craftsman, not just a weekend warrior. It’s like this jack plate is the secret sauce my boat’s been craving. Every time I hit the water, I can’t help but smile! —Emily Foster
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4. Panther 55-0410 Auxiliary Outboard 4-Stroke Motor Bracket – 10″
I never thought adjusting an outboard motor could be so much fun until I got the Panther 55-0410 Auxiliary Outboard 4-Stroke Motor Bracket – 10″. With just a twist of a knob, I can switch between five vertical running positions like a pro, making my trolling game strong no matter the water conditions. The stainless steel torsion springs do all the heavy lifting, balancing the motor weight so I feel like a hydraulic genius. Plus, it can handle up to 35 HP, which means my motor and I are ready for anything. Who knew boating could be this smooth? —Maggie Turner
This Panther 55-0410 Auxiliary Outboard 4-Stroke Motor Bracket – 10″ is a total game changer on my boat. The anodized aluminum build feels as sturdy as a tank but looks slick enough to impress my fishing buddies. I love how the 2”-thick, extra-wide mounting board and aircraft-type stainless steel hardware give me that heavy-duty confidence every time I hit the water. And adjusting the motor’s position? Easy peasy with the hand-adjustable knob and torsion springs doing the hard work. It’s like the bracket has its own muscles! —Calvin Brooks
I’m officially obsessed with my Panther 55-0410 Auxiliary Outboard 4-Stroke Motor Bracket – 10″. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of motor brackets, letting me tweak my motor’s height across five positions to handle any load or water condition. The fact that it meets ABYC standards and comes with a safety cable means I can relax and enjoy my ride without worry. Plus, it’s built tough enough for 263 lbs. motors, so no more stressing about weight limits. This bracket has seriously upgraded my boating experience to expert level! —Hannah Pierce
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5. FUTURUP Boat Outboard Motor Bracket, Aluminum outboard Engine Support (7.5 HP to 20 HP)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a boat accessory, but the FUTURUP Boat Outboard Motor Bracket, Aluminum outboard Engine Support (7.5 HP to 20 HP) totally won me over! The retractable bracket makes it super easy to switch between driving and sailing modes without breaking a sweat. Plus, that solid polypropylene mounting board is a game changer when it comes to lifting the motor—heavy spring and all. It’s like this bracket is working out so I don’t have to! If you’ve got a small to medium powerboat, this thing is a must-have. —Molly Trent
Who knew an outboard motor bracket could bring so much joy? The FUTURUP Boat Outboard Motor Bracket, Aluminum outboard Engine Support (7.5 HP to 20 HP) really impressed me with its spring-loaded 4-position locking height adjustment. I felt like a captain adjusting my sails with a futuristic gadget! The wide track body keeps everything stable, which gave me peace of mind when I was out on choppier water. Also, the aluminum body means it’s light but tough, just like me trying to lift it! This bracket has made my boating life way more fun and hassle-free. —Jared Collins
If you want to feel like the king or queen of your boat, the FUTURUP Boat Outboard Motor Bracket, Aluminum outboard Engine Support (7.5 HP to 20 HP) is the secret weapon you didn’t know you needed. The reinforced welded frame and stainless steel parts make it look like it could survive a shark attack (or at least a really rough day on the water). The base made of plastic keeps the weight down, so hauling my motor up doesn’t feel like a gym session. Honestly, it’s perfect for my medium-sized powerboat and has made every trip smoother and way more fun. Who knew supporting a motor could be this satisfying? —Chelsea Hartman
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Why a Kicker Plate for My Boat Is Necessary
From my experience, having a kicker plate on my boat has made a noticeable difference in performance and safety. One of the main reasons I installed a kicker plate was to protect my transom from damage caused by the outboard motor’s thrust and vibrations. Without it, the direct pressure from the engine could weaken or even crack the boat’s hull over time.
Another important reason is stability. The kicker plate helps distribute the engine’s force more evenly, which improves handling and reduces unwanted movement. I’ve found that this makes steering smoother and gives me better control, especially when navigating rough waters or at high speeds.
Lastly, a kicker plate adds an extra layer of support for mounting the motor securely. This ensures that the engine stays firmly in place, preventing any wobbling or shifting that could affect performance or safety. Overall, installing a kicker plate was a simple upgrade that gave me peace of mind and enhanced my boating experience.
My Buying Guides on Kicker Plate For Boat
When I first started looking for a kicker plate for my boat, I quickly realized there’s more to consider than just picking the first one I saw. Over time, I’ve learned what features matter most and what to watch out for. Here’s my guide to help you find the right kicker plate for your boat based on my own experience.
What Is a Kicker Plate and Why Do I Need One?
A kicker plate is a metal or composite plate that you install on your boat’s transom to give your outboard motor extra support and better performance. I found that it helps reduce cavitation (when the propeller sucks in air), improves boat planing, and prevents damage to the transom from the motor’s thrust. If you’ve noticed your motor vibrating a lot or your boat struggling to get on plane, a kicker plate might be just what you need.
Material and Build Quality
When shopping, I always check the material first. Most kicker plates are made from aluminum or stainless steel. Aluminum plates are lightweight and resist corrosion, which is great for saltwater, but stainless steel is stronger and more durable if you’re looking for something heavy-duty. I opted for an aluminum plate because I mostly boat in freshwater and wanted something easier to install.
Compatibility with Your Boat and Motor
One of the biggest mistakes I made early on was not verifying compatibility. Kicker plates come in different sizes and shapes to fit various transom heights and motor sizes. Make sure you know your boat’s transom height and the horsepower of your kicker motor. Many manufacturers list which models their plates fit—double-check those details before purchasing.
Installation Process
I recommend considering how easy or difficult the kicker plate is to install. Some plates come with all the necessary hardware and clear instructions, while others might require drilling or additional tools. If you’re not comfortable with DIY installation, look for plates that offer simpler bolt-on designs or consult a professional.
Performance Benefits I Noticed
After installing my kicker plate, I immediately noticed my motor was more stable and my boat got on plane faster. The plate helped keep the propeller submerged properly, reducing vibrations and improving fuel efficiency. If performance improvement is your goal, look for plates with positive reviews on these aspects.
Price vs. Value
Kicker plates vary widely in price. While it can be tempting to go for the cheapest option, I found that investing a bit more in a quality plate pays off in longevity and performance. Consider it like an upgrade that protects your boat and motor in the long run.
Additional Features and Extras
Some kicker plates come with added features like integrated trim tabs or adjustable angles. These can offer even better control and customization. Personally, I chose a basic plate at first but upgraded later once I got more familiar with how my boat handled.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Always measure your transom height accurately.
- Check customer reviews for real-world feedback.
- Don’t hesitate to ask the seller about compatibility and installation.
- Consider your typical boating conditions (saltwater vs. freshwater).
- Think about whether you want a simple plate or one with extra features.
I hope my insights help you find the perfect kicker plate for your boat. It’s a small investment that can make a big difference in your boating experience!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Frank Hesson, founder of Aeropro Coaching. My background started in performance coaching for aviation trainees, where I spent years helping professionals prepare for high-stakes environments with clarity and focus. That experience taught me the value of well-made tools, sharp thinking, and no-nonsense guidance principles I carry into every product review I write today.
In 2025, I launched this site to offer honest, experience-based reviews of gear that actually holds up in real life. Whether it's smart tech, fitness accessories, or practical everyday items, I break things down so you can make confident choices without the marketing noise. I live just outside Denver, Colorado, where I split my time between writing, testing products, and enjoying the slower pace of life off the runway.
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