I was looking at my Willie drift boat and my owners manual on my Merc 8 hp motor and the two don't exactly mesh. The book says drill holes and bolt it on. But that's just some thin stock there so it would have to be built up. What is the best or proper way to keep that motor securely attached but not too hard to take off and on? Thanks.

Dont know what kind of kicker you have that doesn't have C-clamp type tighteners on it. Mine is a 16 foot alumaweld but works the same as my buddies Willie. If you have a motor cutout, then a std shaft works. If not then a long shaft will be needed. Some boats even come with a plate that can be added or removed depending on if you are using the motor. I take my motor off and on all the time so I wouldn't bolt it on. I do recomend a prop guard and a hydrofoil (the hydrofoil is especially helpfull on Willies as they tend to have more bow lift when motoring back up). Expect to move your front seat up a notch or two to balance the boat. Throw a sand bag up front it you a by yourself. Don't know what state your in but here in Oregon, boats don't need to be registered if they don't have a motor. Putting a kicker on means some paperwork and numbers/stickers. Probably already knew that but its better to say it than get a $299 reminder from the boys in blue.

Yes, it does have c-clamps but the manual recommends bolting it also and the motor came with mounting bolts. The manual also says to put a cable on the motor also to prevent its loss if it should bounce off while under way....makes me wonder how secure those c-clamps are?

Don't !!!!!!!!
Ask Grant,
O'MYKISS

The C-clamps are quite secure but heres a recomendation. Get one of those locking bars that goes over the T shapes tighteners, or a padlock if you have the type tighteners that have a hole for that purpose. The reason is two-fold. First is that many seem to loosen from the vibration of being on the trailer driving to your favorite river and the second is so that the motor is still there if you stop for a quick bite on the way home. Only people I know who use the bolts are those that permanently mount kickers on their sleds and don't plan to remove them.

What river Raider said......... toss the bolts........ and dont be afraid to grind a little gravel now and then to get to the fish ..