kicker steering

[amirm]

Hello everyone.<br /><br />I am getting a new boat outfitted with a 220hp etec engine with hydrolic steering. I am also getting a Yamaha 8HP, high thrust kicker for trolling and backup power (yes, I looked at dual identical motors and passed on that option).<br /><br />Question I have is what is the prefered method for steering. I prefer to stay inside the cabin and steer from there (this is a 23' boat). So a tiller is not acceptable. Do people tie these together and if so, is there a drawback to this?<br /><br />How about TR-1 autopilot? Does it work well at low speeds? <br /><br />Appreciate any advice in advance. I am stepping down in size and am not too familiar with such setups (my last boat was 32' cat and had dual diesel engines).<br /><br />Thanks much,<br />Amir

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: kicker steering

I use an EZ Steer unit between my large V6 Johnson main and my 9.8 Merc. kicker. I have been very happy with this set up. It does as it claims- self adjusting design allows both engines to be raised or lowered vertically, as well as trimmed and /or tilted independently. They have a website, ezsteer.com<br /><br />This doesn't give you control of the speed from the helm, but for trolling on my rig, or using the kicker for back up long distance runs, it works great. The only think it isn't good for is maneuvering to dock, etc. I'd probably disconnect the EZ Steer and go tiller if I had to do that.<br /><br />My next step, assuming I can get my kicker running as I want it, is to invest in a remote control for it. With the amount it sounds like you're investing in your rig (sounds VERY nice!), I'd invest in an EZ steer or another steering linkage product, as well as an auxillary remote control. I'd bet you could get into both for less than $500, assuming the kicker can adapt to cables.

 

[amirm]

Re: kicker steering

Thank you very much for the kind words regarding the boat and advice. I will look into ezsteer.<br /><br />Amir

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: kicker steering

There are some other good systems too. The EZ Steer hooks on to the back of the engines with a bracket that is attached to the legs of each engine. It can work between an I/O and a kicker as well as between two outboards. There are other systems that hook onto the engines at the front and I've heard good things about them as well. Good luck, have fun.

 

[Boatist]

Re: kicker steering

I also use EZ-Steer for My 15 HP kicker and steer from My I/O.<br /><br />TR1 is great and yes it works at low speed if your motor has enough power to steer the stern faster than the wind moves the bow. It will hold your course in forward or reverse if motor has enough power. It has a nice remote controll and can adjust kicker speed and course at any time, but price is over $1000.<br /><br />My boat is 21 foot and 2800 Lb and I have a 15HP Johnson kicker but it is too small for my boat on windy days, Sure wish it was a 20HP.