Easy Steer... I think it's a waste for our setup

[jennis9]

Thanks for replying to all of my 'what do you think' posts. I'm a newbie and my husband isn't. we bought a boat together and have different ideas about some accessories. I'm not against having toys on the boat - but sometimes I think it can be a BIT overkill.

We have a 20' starcraft aluminum with a merc 140 and a 9.9 kicker. We love to fish and will be trolling with the 9.9. we tried out an electric 55lb and it did not have enough power to get us within the speeds we would want to go on lake erie it can get windy and choppy in a hurry.

SO, now that we have decided that our setup is solid, my husband wants to get an easy-steer. Had one on his old boat attached from the 9.9 to the I/O so we already have half of the bracket (on the 9.9). Said it was hard to steer but liked being able to steer from the cockpit (OK - the boat is not that big... go to the back and use the handle on the 9.9 - right?) When the I/O is off, it is harder to steer - but possible.

Any ideas, suggestions or alternatives that might be better suited for the situation? I am open to DIY ideas too, we're both handy.

 

[JB]

Re: Easy Steer... I think it's a waste for our setup

I take it that "easy steer" is a mechanical link from the kicker to the outdrive.

It doesn't sound very expensive. Let him try it out. When he gets tired of wrestling the helm he will discard it. Please don't say "I told you so."

 

[joed]

Re: Easy Steer... I think it's a waste for our setup

I think that is the system I have. It would be a pain to have to steer from the rear of the boat. I would go for it or some other system that would allow steering form the captains chair.

 

[jennis9]

Re: Easy Steer... I think it's a waste for our setup

will something like tohis woirk... is this a good deal?

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/boa/671852836.html

 

[JB]

Re: Easy Steer... I think it's a waste for our setup

Well, that does look like toy-overkill to me, but I, too, like to pilot the boat from the helm.

I suggest the mechanical link from AV plate to the AV plate on the outdrive. A bit of a nuisance to rig when you want to go to the kicker, but that would save about $100 for gas.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Easy Steer... I think it's a waste for our setup

this looks like the simple solution.

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=422683&kwtid=274471

 

[rndn]

Re: Easy Steer... I think it's a waste for our setup

You'll need to let your husband get any and all toys he wants. Once you agree to that mindset, please call my wife and convince her that is the way to go.

 

[jennis9]

Re: Easy Steer... I think it's a waste for our setup

Ok - a little off topic......

For the record, I don't have a leash on my guy - so there's no real 'letting.' I may need to reel him in once in a while, but he has to do the same for me when the boat is considered (read my electric trolling motor post - that was my awful $600 idea for quiet trolling :redface.... His secret weapon is to make sure I have fun with the boat too. I know what HE's up to, but I fall for it every time. He even gets me a guide every once in a while to make sure I get a few tips and land a few steelies with the custom fly rod he had built for me (it has feathers on it - matches my camo waders - lol).

As far as the boat toys, I do see a few things we can do without, and keep my mouth shut (or try) until I know there could be a better idea out there. That's where you and the forum come in, I can ask questions and do research and not make him feel like I am questioning his knowledge... and then I look like I know what I'm talking about. It makes it fun to for us to have boating and fishing in common.

Plus, you guys have such great ideas and have figured quite a few of these issues out - I like to see what you guys come up with. (TD, Silver and Bondo - you always have awesome suggestions and ideas, thanks!)

Since I saved on the electric trolling mount, I went out yesterday morning and got a GREAT deal from on a used pair of Cannon electric downriggers - with the extended boom so they cross at the stern when swiveled in - a HUGE box of salmon and walleye stingers and weights. Got it all for $400. ha! Great deal, and man, was he surprised! I know our boat will look like a battleship, and I am sure there will be no room on the gunels soon. Crazy.

So keep the ideas coming... and I will make sure there's some sort of steering buddy on the kicker. But keep the secret that I am as crazy as my viking!

 

[jennis9]

Re: Easy Steer... I think it's a waste for our setup

TD - forwarded on the link - it's a winner.

If that doesn't work as well as ez steer, we'll order an EZ this winter and replace it for next season. worth a try to save $200. I'll let you know how it works. thanks again.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Easy Steer... I think it's a waste for our setup

if the kicker were fixed straight ahead, would the main engine not function as a tiller? at least for trolling - it's not like you need to make hairpin turns.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Easy Steer... I think it's a waste for our setup

EZ Steer is a great way to go work very well. If you main motor is easy to turn with the motor off then loosen the friction on your outboard and hook up EZ Steer and your can turn both motor together with no problem at all.

One good thing is with hooked up can not turn either motor to a point where it will hit the other motor.

I do not know if you can see this picture of a EZ STEER.

I http://s296.photobucket.com/albums/...ew&current=P8030151-2.jpg&t=1210321537168have

 

[JB]

Re: Easy Steer... I think it's a waste for our setup

Say, there, Jennis.

Please convey to your husband my heartiest congratulations on having such a great wife and fishing buddy.

 

[jennis9]

Re: Easy Steer... I think it's a waste for our setup

Thanks JB, I will remind him every chance I get lol

 

[jennis9]

Re: Easy Steer... I think it's a waste for our setup

Received the EZ Steer and love it. I had my doubts, but would recommend it to anyone who spends a lot of time trolling.

By the Way... I just found a used one for a hundred bucks on craigslist. Just installed ours last week.... ha!

 

[DRIFTER_016]

Re: Easy Steer... I think it's a waste for our setup

Here's another way to steer your kicker.
About $400 + there are also versions that do throttle as well.

http://www.panthermarineproducts.com/pmarine/pmarine_master.php?catID=3