Motor to tiller steering ?

[Robo97]

My 9.9 hp 4 stoke hi thust motor on my 25 ft sailboat has so much prop walk when I first start up that it is impossible to keep the boat from turning starboard until I pick up speed. I would like to be able to couple my tiller to the motor which, doesn't have a tiller, to eliminate this problem. Has anyone seen a easy and cheap way of doing this. I know of one company that sells a unit for almost 200 bucks but that's more than I am willing to spend at this time.

 

[OBJ]

Re: Motor to tiller steering ?

Bob....look at the swivel tube on the port side and see if ya' got a steering friction screw. If you do, try locking the 9.9 in straight and just steer with the boats tiller. Might work.<br /><br />My fishing bud has a six horse we troll with. And a 90hp for getting there. We locked in the six and steer with the 90. Works.

 

[Robo97]

Re: Motor to tiller steering ?

Hi OBJ:<br />That is exactly what I do but the tiller doesn't start to take control until the boat starts moving fast enough to overcome the thrust of the 4 blade prop motor. If the tiller is linked to the motor I could then turn the tiller to steer the boat in the port direction which would minimize the prop walk which is turning the boat towards the starboard direction. the boat has to be moving 1 to 1.5 mpg's before the rudder starts having an effect over the prop walk.

 

[OBJ]

Re: Motor to tiller steering ?

See your point Bob. Probably a little difference in size between our fishin' boat and your sailboat. Have you checked out iboats store for any auxilliary steering systems that would be adaptable? I have seen ones that are straped on with large "hose" clamps. May be adaptable to your situation.