1997 215dc Kicker

[Confessor]

I'm a new Aquasport owner and new to this forum. I just purchased a 1997 Aquasport 215dc that I would like to put a kicker motor on.  I've searched this site, and all over the internet, for information and for anyone who has done this with very little info to show for it.  Things I'd like to know:

1.  What HP kicker works well?

2.  What shaft length?

3.  What kind of mount works best?

I'm looking for a kicker to help the wife feel safer by having backup when we go a bit offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, or even out on Lake Pontchatrain.

Thanks for any input, help, suggestions I can get!

[RickK]

Welcome aboard!

Being that you have a regular transom, do you have the little swim platforms on each side?

[Confessor]

Rickk,

No, I have one swim platform on the Port side. The Starboard side is clean.

[GoneFission]

The kicker almost always goes on the starboard side.  Most use an up-and-down bracket.  8hp is about as low as you want to go - 15 long-leg seems very popular.  You can find high thrust models that are made for this and often used on sailboats.  You can go with tiller steering or couple the kicker to your main engine and use the normal helm.  One question - 2 stroke or 4 stroke?  Here's a idea - used sailboats often sell very cheap and sometimes have a nice motor with them.  Look for a sailboat on Craigs or eBay nearby with  a motor for $500 or so - call the owner and see if he wants to sell the motor - you may get a deal! 

Brackets are $100 or less:
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=outboard+kicker+bracket&_sacat=0 

15 horse outboards:
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_sop=15&_nkw=outboard%20motor%2015hp&_dcat=177669&Engine%2528HP%2529=10%252D49%2520hp&rt=nc&_trksid=p2045573.m1684 

[Confessor]

Cap'n John,

Thanks for your reply, and the links.  I think a 20" long shaft 2 stroke 15hp will meet my needs.  I appreciate the help!
 As a new owner I'm sure there will be more questions down the road!!!