How to Install a Kicker Motor on the 258 Vista

A kicker motor serves as a secondary propulsion for your 258 Vista Express Cruiser. Typically a 50 or 75 horsepower two-stroke outboard, the motor provides a backup if the main engine fails, and allows slower trolling and maneuvering than the main engine is able to accommodate. A kicker motor mounts on a special bracket you install at one side of the transom. The motor and bracket are available at many marine accessory stores or through online accessory outlets. Install a kicker motor on the 258 Vista with the boat in dry dock or on a trailer.

Things You'll Need

  • Adjustable motor bracket
  • Outboard motor
  • Auxiliary fuel tank
  • Felt-tip marker
  • Power drill
  • Drill bits
  • Silicone adhesive
  • Socket and ratchet
  • Screwdriver
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Instructions

  1. Adjustable Bracket

    • 1

      Establish which side of the transom to mount the bracket and motor. Considerations are convenient access to the handle on a pull-start motor or a clear area not used for a swim ladder or bait tank.

    • 2

      Position the base of the adjustable bracket against the outer face of the transom at the preferred location. Position the top of the bracket 4 inches below the top of the transom. Mark the locations of the bolt holes with a felt-tip marker.

    • 3

      Set up a power drill with a drill bit that matches the diameter of the provided bolts. Drill holes through the transom at each mark.

    • 4

      Stage the provided washers and nuts inside the boat at the transom. Ask an assistant to take a position inside the boat at the transom with a socket and ratchet.

    • 5

      Apply a uniform layer of silicone adhesive on the base of the bracket mount. Position the bracket against the transom and align the holes. Insert the bolts into the face of the mount and fully through the transom.

    • 6

      Put a washer on the inner ends of each bolt. Thread the nuts on each bolt and tighten each securely with the socket and ratchet.

    Kicker Motor

    • 7

      Ask the assistant to help lift the outboard kicker motor onto the bracket. Tighten the handles on each motor mount securely by hand.

    • 8

      Attach one end of the provided fuel line onto the fuel fitting at the motor using the provided clamp you tighten with a screwdriver.

    • 9

      Place the auxiliary fuel tank on the deck at the inner wall of the transom. Connect the opposite end of the fuel line to the supply fitting on the tank with the provided clamp.

    • 10

      Secure the fuel line at one or more places on the outer face of the transom with the provided stays and short screws.