Maybe I can help with the kicker.I've run kickers on my last few boats,and have always mounted them on the starboard side.I have a T8 8hp Yamaha with elec start & power tilt on my 1974 23' Tsunami.That being said,I see more kickers mounted on the port side.
It really doesn't matter all that much,I've had excellant results with them on the starboard side with zero problems.The starboard side works better for me as it's easier to run the electrical and shift cables to the control box which is on the stbd side,rather than having to run up the port side and crossing over to stbd up front.You can always change any list to either side from the kicker by moving weight like coolers around in the boat.
I have the kicker mounted on a stationary bracket made by Adventure Marine.It's mounted to the transom with five 7/16" stainless bolts to a 1/4"thick aluminum backer plate on the inside of the transom.All the holes were sealed with epoxy and the bolts got a bit of 5200 when they were installed.
I have the steering connected to the outdrive by an EZ-Steer connecting rod.As you can see in the pics,the power tilt lifts the kicker out of the water when not needed.
Hope this helped some.
https://www.adventuremarine.net/prod...D=35&do=detail
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