tiller kicker vs. tiller main what's better?

[icedog]

I've read all the posts over the years on tiller vs. wheel boat. I have owned three tillers and two wheel boats, but never a wheel boat with a gas tiller kicker. My question is the tiller kicker as effective forward trolling crankbaits and backtrolling live bait as a good main tiller set-up?? Maybe someone has gone from a big tiller to a wheel boat with a kicker or vice-versa and can give some input. Thanks in advance.

Icedog

[stevefellegy]

The big tiller will make the boat react faster compared to the kicker that has a smaller prop and is offset from center. Will the kicker work? Sure....but in big wind following a precise contour the kicker is more of a fight. One can make up the difference by using a power drive type bowmount to help steer the boat. Then the kicker combo is pretty good. If can get used to that combo, it's tough to beat.

In calmer water, or very slow spinner type speed, the big tiller is too fast without dragging drift socks or buckets to slow it down(or putting a transom mount electric in reverse). Or just use the electric rear motor to troll.

My prefernce is the big tiller and if need be adding a form of brakes to slow down. It seems it's windy more times than not when I have to follow a breakline while trolling cranks. I like the big prop in the middle of the boat. I have zero trouble trolling down to 2 mph. or less if I add a bucket or two over the side to slow me down in calmer stuff.

If you have less than a 75hp. tiller as the main engine , you'll be fine without the kicker no matter the conditions.

[icedog]

Thanks for the response. I know your a pro and have logged a ton of hours with a tiller. I wondered about the smaller prop and offset kicker giving it a different "feel" than running a center mounted tiller. My 11 yo boy has grown used to being behind the windshield while moving fast on the water, but I miss the wind in my face of the old tiller and the great boat control. I have seen the kicker used in conjunction with the bowmount but doesn't that speed you up too much? I even tried it with my vantage and my bow mount and found it difficult to control.

Icedog

[walleyejim1216]

Thats why I love my Terrova! I lock the kicker going straight and use the Terrova to steer the boat. Works great for me!