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Looking for some advice on kicker placement on a 1989 Montauk 17. The kicker is a 1988 Evinrude Excel 4 hp long shaft Yacht Twin that weighs approximately 37 lb. This will be mounted directly to the transom. I understand the starboard transom is the preferred location on this Montauk and my owner's manual states " All 17 foot models have wood molded into the upper starboard transom. Auxiliary engines can be clamped directly onto this area without the use of special pads".

I have seen other discussions (or photos) on this topic that would indicate port transom is acceptable too for placement and wood is molded on the raised portion of transom on both port and starboard. In my case I would prefer the port transom placement for two reasons 1) The kicker steering linkage I have will connect to the main engine steering rod best from the port side, and 2) the stern light stanchion is located on the starboard side and would need to be moved.

Would like some feedback on this. Thanks.