Kicker motor questions???

[jhande]

Just curious in case I someday I want to add a kicker motor. Would be used for trolling and emergency return to dock if main engine fails.

I was told here to get a 9.9hp 4 stroke.

What I am wondering though instead of sitting in the back of the boat, is it possible to rig it up to control from the console?

I have read an article online about locking the kicker in a straight position and steering with the non-running main motor. If that works that's kind of fine.

I would like to also have control of F/N/R and throttle speed from the drivers seat. Is adding separate controls possible on such small motors?

 

[Sea Rider]

Which type, length of boat will this particular 9.9 HP be powering as a kicker ? Too much hassle installing remotes for a small kicker, add that will need to live permanently next to the main.. Just adjust it to sit fully vertical at a straight position and control it with the main...

Happy Boating​

 

[roscoe]

Just curious in case I someday I want to add a kicker motor. Would be used for trolling and emergency return to dock if main engine fails.

I was told here to get a 9.9hp 4 stroke.

What I am wondering though instead of sitting in the back of the boat, is it possible to rig it up to control from the console?

I have read an article online about locking the kicker in a straight position and steering with the non-running main motor. If that works that's kind of fine.

I would like to also have control of F/N/R and throttle speed from the drivers seat. Is adding separate controls possible on such small motors?

Yes you can set it up for full remote control.
Lots of boats are set up that way.

There are several systems that offer precise speed control and steering wirelessly with a hand held remote.
Tailfin, Troll Master, Panther, etc.

 

[jhande]

Which type, length of boat will this particular 9.9 HP be powering as a kicker ? Too much hassle installing remotes for a small kicker, add that will need to live permanently next to the main.. Just adjust it to sit fully vertical at a straight position and control it with the main...

Happy Boating​

Thank you Sea Rider for replying.
The boat in question is in my signature.

 

[jhande]

Yes you can set it up for full remote control.
Lots of boats are set up that way.

There are several systems that offer precise speed control and steering wirelessly with a hand held remote.
Tailfin, Troll Master, Panther, etc.

Thanks roscoe, didn't know remote controls were available, I'll have to research them.

 

[JimS123]

My local Starcraft dealer sells a lot of fishing type boats that are rigged with a kicker. They are all rigged with electric start, throttle and shift controls, plus a steering bracket connected to the main. Some even have power trim, so you never have to leave the helm to put her in action. I'm not sure if they are a factory option or if he rigs them himself. Regardless, there are parts available to do anything.

Putting the kicker straight and steering with the main will absolutely not work to anyone's satisfaction. Unless the operating prop can turn steering control will be awful.

I have rigged many a boat with a SS 5/16" allthread and QD fittings attached to the motor's steering bracket or the carrying handle. With both the main and kicker steering you can turn on a dime even if the wind is blowing. The pic below is my latest contraption. If your engines are at the same height the rod can be straight. If you are contemplating a kicker on an I/O I can provide pics there as well.

Today, IMHO, Panther OB brackets are the only on on the market that I would use.

 

[jhande]

Thanks Jim!
Guess I have some research and thinking to do.