Ranger 1880 MS Kicker/trolling motor install tips/secrets

[@ricknelson576]

All your birds sound nice, thanks for sharing.

[@richgoyke9335]

Good video! I never did get a quote to have my pro-kicker installed but I figured it would be expensive for sure. I own a Ranger 1882 WT (rebranded Targa for the most part) and like you found that second pickup tube on the tank. THANK GOD! I have the panther static mount to put on and hopefully it is not too difficult. Glad you saved yourself the extra 3k ! Tight lines!

[@sheaysmeal5971]

Rates change throughout the year. I would’ve done the install if I got remote throttle or there wasn’t a second pickip. I think these installs are within the capabilities of most people. Glad the video helped and tight lines!

[@brandondillon3159]

Thank you brother!!! I was going to send to the dealer and it was 4 weeks and like you said 3200!! I'm going to install this week and I'll let you know how it goes

[@sheaysmeal5971]

No problem man! Just trying to get the word out to help people in the same situation.

[@Red-Yoshi-Gaming]

@@sheaysmeal5971 great how-to. I bought my 1880ms last year as well at Grand Point Marina. Where in Michigan are you? I am in Troy. Going to be doing this install very soon.

[@sheaysmeal5971]

Near Flat Rock. Good luck with your install!

[@steveleston1848]

how are controlling steering an throttle. I was planning on tieing the 2 engines together w/ a detachable rod an use the main engine as a rudder. I don't see myself sitting on the back steering w/ a tiller handle. I'll proballey have 2 binnicals to control both gear select an throttle but haven't decided yet. nice video an vessel.

[@sheaysmeal5971]

Thanks Steve. I don’t actually steer with this Kicker. I get it fired up, set the speed to roughly what I need, and use my MinnKota to tweak speed and set course. Most of the time I use the Minnkota autopilot and just set a bearing. Then I make tiny adjustments to to kicker as needed for speed. I was going to tie them together with a rod, but I don’t need it for my application. I did buy a rod from Amazon initially to do what you’re saying, so if you’re looking for one, they should probably have what you need. Then there are brackets on the motors, I believe, that you can attach it to.

[@jonathantheunacceptable4259]

​@@sheaysmeal5971 I now understand why it didn't matter which side you put your kicker on 😅

[@beaudryadventures6785]

Marine tech/Panther part number 55-0405 is what I purchased. Amazon had good pricing 230$ in Canadian funds, that was a great deal at the time they are now advertised at 375$.

[@sheaysmeal5971]

I used the 410 model. Currently around $250 US.

[@toddbelgum2617]

I have the same boat but am having trouble finding a static mount. Do you have any recommendations?? Thanks for the video!!

[@sheaysmeal5971]

Thanks Todd. I haven’t found one yet either. The one that I installed in this video is what I’m still using. I just don’t lower it and keep it up and locked. I have found static mounts on Amazon. You might be able to find something at Bass Pro or Cabela’s as well.

[@dennisorozco-k4j]

i have the same mount and motor , are you trailering it with motor on and what are doing so it wont jump while trailering..thanks

[@sheaysmeal5971]

I do trailer it with the motor on. I noticed it bounces pretty substantially with no support. I use a ratchet strap to stop it from bouncing. Basically, I lift the motor up to take out the slack in the mount, then tighten a strap that’s anchored to my port cleat and to that handle on top of the transom between the motors. There’s still some bounce but not nearly what it is without the strap. I know it sounds jenky but I’m used to it and it works for now.

[@ij4298]

What is the distance from your kicker bracket to your main engine bracket.......I only have about 10 inches of space on my boat....thanks

[@sheaysmeal5971]

I’ll check when I get it out of storage. I’d say at least 18” between motors off the top of my head.

[@rudytamayo2646]

That is a sweet setup!! Are you able to safely use the outboard on a slot that is higher than the lowest slot on the bracket (without coming it off, and slamming back up or down to the highest or lowest position)? I ask because I'm wanting to mount one of these on a dinghy to actually raise the height of the outboard with respect to the transom. In other words I want to raise the motor higher on the transom, rather than lowering it, as in the case of a kicker outboard. Thanks in advance 😁🙋‍♂️

[@sheaysmeal5971]

Thanks Rudy! The mount I used has variable heights. It’s designed to allow you to move it wherever you want/need. I usually keep it on the highest position because my Kicker is the long shaft. If it’s a calm day, I can lower it, but I usually don’t. If you want to get the motor above your transom, this should work. Just double check your transom motor rating before you start drilling holes. Good luck!

[@rudytamayo2646]

@@sheaysmeal5971 awesome, thanks for the swift response Sheay!! Cheers man 👍🙋‍♂️

[@b.b.5048]

Do you Trailer it as shown? Does it have to be up all the way?

[@sheaysmeal5971]

I trailer it in a near-vertical position. It’s like the mid setting. Only the whole way up when I’m on plane on the water.

[@Jman-bq8ov]

Sheay Smeal. Are you happy with the kicker. I have the same boat. I like to fish bass and troll for salmon, trout, etc. any pros and cons? Thank you!

[@sheaysmeal5971]

Jman, I love it. Not only is it great for trolling, it has saved me when my cranking battery died, so it’s a great backup in a situation like that. I have the electric start, which is awesome, but it also has a pull start, which is another great backup feature. The only cons I can think of are the throttle control and trim adjustments. For my boat, I barely give it gas and my trolling speed jumps. So, min throttle is very close to 1.6-1.8 SOG. Then fine adjustments from there are difficult; mind you that this is a tiller. As far as the trim adjustments, you have to lift the motor and get it to click into the setting. Figuring out how to get it full-up trim was a learning curve. You uave to have it in gear to be able to get it to full trim. The linkage that changes trim is affected by the throttle linkage. So, I’d play around with that before you take it out the first time and learn the hard way on the water. Other than that, I’ve mentioned that I would much rather have a static mount than the Panther adjustable that I have. It’s not terrible, but it’s not needed for my boat and it makes the motor bounce while trailering. Let me know if you have any other questions.

[@Jman-bq8ov]

@@sheaysmeal5971 sounds good. Thanks for the tips too. Can you troll 5mp or slightly above? I go after stripped bass too, you have to troll fast. Thanks again.

[@sheaysmeal5971]

@@Jman-bq8ov with a 9.9hp I think you could. That motor on a 19ft deep v hull should work, as long as the winds aren’t bad.

[@jayb7675]

How do you like the boat. Would you buy again?

[@sheaysmeal5971]

Love it. It does everything I expected and more. It’s versatile as a fishing boat and great for family. Handles Lake Erie like a champ. Highly recommend. If you have any more specific questions, just ask!

[@jonathantheunacceptable4259]

You put the kicker on the wrong side for that motor, you'll find it uncomfortable to steer with the tiller handle hanging off the boat. Much more comfy and you can use a longer extension when the handle is towards the middle of the boat. Just switched mine because of this, with an extended handle I would have to hang off the boat to make tight left hand turns. You'll understand what I mean lol hopefully you have a kicker support on the other side. Mine only had it on the side I reinstalled it, the previous owner rigged his own with a ripped 2x6 😅 that's what made me look and noticed the support on the other side, which in the end works a lot better. I'm just about to add more glass so that I can confidently trailer my boat without taking off the kicker, my boat is 50 years old lol a little worried still on driving down the road with all that wieght on a little piece of 5x7x1 marine plywood

[@sheaysmeal5971]

Normally I only use the kicker in a straight position. I lock it straight and use my Minn Kota up front to steer. Kicker is only for thrust. I have used it in an emergency when my cranking battery died. It is tricky to turn the tiller that far, but it’s not impossible. And it would happen no matter which side it was on lol. Glad you solved your issue though and thanks for watching!

[@jonathantheunacceptable4259]

@@sheaysmeal5971 I have a 3' extension on my tiller, when I crank it to the right to turn left the handle just crosses the rail, the other direction is just short of hitting the main motor while it's up, clears easily when it's down. It has helped a lot, I rarely have to fully crank it when using the kicker but when I do it's nice to not have to think about what way I have to turn lol or brace myself to hang 3ft off the boat 😅 I noticed in another comment you mentioned that you use it just as a thruster, sorry, just figured it's also something no one brings up when mounting these. Cheers 🍻

[@mattn4900]

good job

[@sammythebull2240]

Did you slay some Lake Erie Walleye on that trip or what? Its kind of hard not hit limit there these days😄

[@sheaysmeal5971]

Probably not that trip. was still learning the ropes. But many trips after that, for sure!

[@stevenlantz-gordon1788]

1 QUICK TIP FOR DRILLING FIBERGLASS! Start the drill in reverse for an 1/8” or so, then turn to forward mode so you don’t splinter the fiberglass!

[@sheaysmeal5971]

Thanks for the tip Steven!