kicker questions

[pete s]

I am in the process of putting a kicker on my 76 cruisers bar harbor. Due to the stepped transom I built a spacer to mount the engine bracket to. This puts the kicker way behind the outdrive. My issue is what to do for steering. I think I can make a link up but it will be very unsightly due to the bends and the length if it will even work. My question is will the outdrive act as a rudder enough to steer the boat? I realize I wont turn on a dime but what are some thoughts? I use the boat on Lake Michigan so at times I am in some larger seas but as a rule 2-3 footers are the norm. I don't think I will use it for trolling too much but mainly as a back up to the OMC

 

[cr2k]

Re: kicker questions

Yes lots of people do just that. You are right your turning will be sluggish in tight slow situations but as far as trolling or slow moving it will steer that way.

 

[pete s]

Re: kicker questions

Thanks for the input I was hoping that using just the outdrive as a rudder would work. I will hopefully have it out next weekend to give it a try.

 

[JimS123]

Re: kicker questions

I have a similar setup and have tried what you suggest. In calm seas with little wind it works fair. But, if the wind kicks up, you could easily lose it. My motor is mounted stbd, so the boat naturally wants to steer to port. A little gust of wind stbd and the boat swings around so fast that I can't get her back on course.

I would advise to buy an EZ-steer. That way both drives steer together. I built one myself with just a piece of SS rod and a pair of quick disconnect ball joints.

 

[pete s]

Re: kicker questions

I got the boat out with the kicker for the first time and the outdrive as a rudder is a no go. I am looking at the EZ steer setup but I think that I can make a similar set up.

Jims123 would you mind posting a picture of your set up I am looking for all the ideas that I can get.