View Full Version : 1860 kicker on starboard side?
lukeeyestalker
09-21-2008, 02:28 PM
I want to steer my kicker w/ a tiller handle and be able to view my console electronics at the same time. How bad will this make an 1860 lean to the starboard side when I don't have a passenger? Thinking if I have the cranking battery on the port side that would help.
walleyeflats
09-21-2008, 04:21 PM
I have 2006 1850 Reata with Merc 8hp kicker on starboard and i can`t tell its there.
Get a bigger depth finder and put the kicker on the port side! I have a 27 mounted on the dash and sit running the kicker on the port side with no problems. I don't think your view would be that much better by sitting on the starboard side?? I think they generally mount the tiller/kickers on the port side due to the handle running into the main motor when turning, when it is mounted on the starboard side. Just a thought though. I wouldn't worry about the boat leaning. My 1850 doesn't lean with more weight to one side or the other. It is a big, wide stable boat, no matter how you set it up!!!
ozarkeyes
09-21-2008, 08:06 PM
Get a bigger depth finder and put the kicker on the port side! I have a 27 mounted on the dash and sit running the kicker on the port side with no problems. I don't think your view would be that much better by sitting on the starboard side?? I think they generally mount the tiller/kickers on the port side due to the handle running into the main motor when turning, when it is mounted on the starboard side. Just a thought though. I wouldn't worry about the boat leaning. My 1850 doesn't lean with more weight to one side or the other. It is a big, wide stable boat, no matter how you set it up!!!
It is just the opposite- put the kicker on starboard when using manual steering the handle will not hit the big motor. Most that use main engine to steer you will see kicker mounted on port side. Most using handle to steer, will be mounted on starboard.
That's interesting! I have had 3 Rangers with tiller kickers and they have all been on the port side!!! My brother's Rangers have all had the same thing. My newest Ranger came that way and they had to move the ladder on the Reata to the other side to mount the kicker. I guess we are backwards around here????
Jason Halfen UL
09-22-2008, 10:12 AM
I want to steer my kicker w/ a tiller handle and be able to view my console electronics at the same time. How bad will this make an 1860 lean to the starboard side when I don't have a passenger? Thinking if I have the cranking battery on the port side that would help.
I have my tiller T8 mounted on the starboard side of my 1860. I put mine there after a lesson from Juls on handlining. No problems, works great!
Eye4 unlogd
09-22-2008, 10:54 AM
I've got an 1860 with a T8 tiller on the starboard. I moved my battery to the port locker and the oil tank into the hatch right in front of the big motor. It all balances well and you can either sit on the rear deck to run the tiller or use an extension handle. Good setup.
sparkyaber
09-23-2008, 09:35 PM
I have a reata with a suzuki kicker on the starboard side, not a problem handling, but the steering linkage hits the front of the motor at the handle, rubbing on the tilt/trim button wires. It only took a few trips to wear through. Even with those wires removed, the linkage still hits the kicker at the front grab handle.
blueroof
09-24-2008, 11:30 AM
Sparky, I have the same setup and my suzuki kicker is on the starboard side. I use a detachable connector rod that allows the tiller handle to fold up and out of the way whether connected or not. I don't believe it rubs with the tiller handle down either. I have the kicker motor linkage point attached to the front grab handle.
Dave34
09-24-2008, 06:28 PM
That's interesting! I have had 3 Rangers with tiller kickers and they have all been on the port side!!! My brother's Rangers have all had the same thing. My newest Ranger came that way and they had to move the ladder on the Reata to the other side to mount the kicker. I guess we are backwards around here????
Exact same thing with my Reata - the factory moved the ladder to the other side to accommodate the T-8 on the port side.
sparkyaber
09-27-2008, 09:04 AM
Sparky, I have the same setup and my suzuki kicker is on the starboard side. I use a detachable connector rod that allows the tiller handle to fold up and out of the way whether connected or not. I don't believe it rubs with the tiller handle down either. I have the kicker motor linkage point attached to the front grab handle.
No tiller handle for me, just the motor linkage between the two motors, you say you have removable linkage? the linkage on mine hits the front grab handle when the motor is all the way up, I may have to take it to the dealer, and have a stop installed so the kicker does not go up that high. It only occurs when the kicker is all the way up, and when I have the wheel at hard to port, that is when the front grab handle comes in contact with the linkage. This has shredded my wires for the trim button on the kicker motor.