Kicker rigging suggestions

[shiprex]

Hey all,

I just purchased a dream boat and will be adding a kicker in the Spring of 2010 ('come on tax return!!!'). I WILL be getting is a Mercury 9.9 Pro Kicker to go with the 175 ProXS. The side panel of my boat has a spot to place the 2nd set of throttle controls (for the kicker), but I am currently planning on getting the troll master for the kicker. I know I will be spending $3-4000 for the motor and rigging, but have never minded saving a couple bucks to avoid being wasteful.

Here is my set of questions, and I am looking for suggestions/
recommendations for best use of my dollars and most efficient use of space:
1) Is the second throttle control rigging required for this set-up, and If not, where is the electrical starter placed? Are there options?
2) What are the advantages of having that second throttle control in addition to the troll master?
3) I've fished with others using the troll master and think it is an excellent addition. Is anyone thinking the second set of throttle controls can work, just as well, considering accuracy of speed?

Any and all suggestions are appreciated. Oh, and although I like it a lot, the Yamaha T-8, nor any other kicker, is not an option.

Thanks,

Shiprex

[Hombre Robusto]

The Pro Kicker comes in both remote, and tiller model. I'm sure your dealer will gladly sell you either model.

If you don't get the remote controls (key start), there will be a button to push on the tiller motor to start it.

You will get much finer throttle adjustments with a Troll Master than you will with the factory throttle on the kicker.

I've had the remote controls on my last two rigs. I wouldn't have it any other way. It's nice to lower the motor, start it up, get the Troll Master going, and get it in gear without having to leave the captains chair.

[Waxy]

I just spent the money doing this myself. It ain't cheap lol. I bought the tiller model Pro Kicker for a couple reasons, but mostly because I wanted to be able to use the kicker as a tiller, that's important to me.

To get around the other problems and answer some of your questions, I did the following -

1. Added a Teleflex connector kit. It wasn't cheap, but it's a really sano bolt on if you have SeaStar hydraulic steering on your Opti. It's awfully nice to be able to connect the motors and steer from the helm at times.

2. I added a Trollmaster, they're sweet.

3. I added start, trim/tilt, and on/off switches for the kicker to the dash. The first start of the day when the kicker is cold, you have to go to the back and get it started and warmed up, after that, you can do it from the helm. I really like the idea of this setup, the only problem is shifting between neutral and forward to start/stop the engine. I'm working on that because it forces you to go back to the tiller handle shift the motor in and out of gear, which kinda defeats the purpose of the dash mounted switches. I'm not sure how I'm going to get around that and keep it safe (not start in gear), but I'm working on it.

4. I added a tiller extension handle with a u-joint in it so it's easier to comfortably operate the kicker as a tiller.

It's a bit more of a hassle to get going, but you can control the kicker from the driver's seat using the trollmaster and tie bar pretty much the same as you would with the remote control kicker. The upside is, you can still use the kicker as a tiller for when you need the extra boat control.

Waxy

[Tim Ellis]

It depends on how you plan to fish. If you are fishing alot of contours you will want a tiller steering kicker with an extension handle, however if you are fishing open water with cranks or spinners a remote steering works good. I have a 9.9 with tiller handle, a trollmaster, connector bar to the main motor so all the bases are covered. If you contour troll alot the remote steering doesn't respond fast enough to follow the break lines. This is my opinion but i have owned both and like this present setup the most by far.

[AllenW]

Like Tim says, how you fish will make a difference, for me its a remote set up with the controls and the troll master up at the drivers seat.

I use the bow mount for most jigging and such, but for trolling I use the kicker and like sitting at the drivers seat behind the windshield.

Great for when weather turns bad.

Al

[perchjerker]

well heres another thought

I also like the helm mounted controls. I dont backtroll or have a need for a tiller kicker.

But I like to be able to steer from anywhere in my boat. So I got a Panther T4 remote steering and I love the thing.

I also use a home made trollmaster type of throttle control.

all depends on what you need like the others have stated

[shiprex]

Thank you for the suggestions. I prefer working contours with the bow electric, and I do like to troll cranks and harnesses, so I won't likely opt. for the tiller/back trolling method. I can surely understand why you tiller guys like that control. I used to prefer that method, but I find I just don't fish that way hardly at all anymore.

So, since I am now planning on having all the controls at the console, how are you fellow-trollers mounting your troll master? Or, are you leaving it free with extra wire/cable for movement/storage/etc... I do like the thought of mounting it on a RAM mount, but I don't know if that animal even exists.

I'll read for suggestions, but won't respond further as you have all helped me answer my main questions.

Thank you all very much,

ShipreX

[perchjerker]

Thank you for the suggestions. I prefer working contours with the bow electric, and I do like to troll cranks and harnesses, so I won't likely opt. for the tiller/back trolling method. I can surely understand why you tiller guys like that control. I used to prefer that method, but I find I just don't fish that way hardly at all anymore.

So, since I am now planning on having all the controls at the console, how are you fellow-trollers mounting your troll master? Or, are you leaving it free with extra wire/cable for movement/storage/etc... I do like the thought of mounting it on a RAM mount, but I don't know if that animal even exists.

I'll read for suggestions, but won't respond further as you have all helped me answer my main questions.

Thank you all very much,

ShipreX

I just kept it simple and used velcro on the back, and a few pieces where I used it so I could mount it where convienent and it is easy to move. Make sure the controller is out of the rain when you are storing it

[turtle chain]

we fish lac seul out on the rock humps and it get's rough out there how about back trolling to hold your position in the rough stuff the fishing is awesome boat control is hard what works best for you guy's

[Modog]

Thank you for the suggestions. I prefer working contours with the bow electric, and I do like to troll cranks and harnesses, so I won't likely opt. for the tiller/back trolling method. I can surely understand why you tiller guys like that control. I used to prefer that method, but I find I just don't fish that way hardly at all anymore.

So, since I am now planning on having all the controls at the console, how are you fellow-trollers mounting your troll master? Or, are you leaving it free with extra wire/cable for movement/storage/etc... I do like the thought of mounting it on a RAM mount, but I don't know if that animal even exists.

I'll read for suggestions, but won't respond further as you have all helped me answer my main questions.

Thank you all very much,

ShipreX


I flush mounted mine in the dash.

[eye4aneye]

I fish with a tiller T8 mounted starboard. I like this arrangement for fishing by myself or with one other troller. I put my Terrova bowmount in, run the pedal (some guys use copilot, I don't care for that) and the tiller at the same time. This way I have much more control in sidewind and big waves, I can turn the boat around on a dime if I want to.

When dragging bait around windswept points in waves, I will put my kicker in gear and fish from the bow, controlling direction and position with the Terrova. This is where a helm control is actually a bit of a hindrance, you or your fishing partner has to run the kicker control and tillers are just simpler for most folks (rookies) to operate.

I have owned boats with helm kicker controls and if I fished where wind weren't such a big factor, I would still prefer that.

[drbrand]

Mercury forward control box will not work as good as a Trollmaster control. When you make a course change and turn the motor, it tends to change speed due to cable flex.

Get your trollmaster today while its on sale. http://www.walleyecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=156060

Also, if you are looking for a prokicker forward control box with trim and electric start that will not require a $75 wiring adapter, I have a new one listed for sale on swap board. http://www.walleyecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=155910

[Hombre Robusto]

Mercury forward control box will not work as good as a Trollmaster control. When you make a course change and turn the motor, it tends to change speed due to cable flex.




Maybe some that are not rigged properly do, but I've been trolling and zig zagging for three seasons with my remote Pro Kicker, and it doesn't change speed or rpms the slightest bit.

[drbrand]

You're probably right. But it could be the difference in boat design and having to route cables differently. When I'm steering my prokicker from one side to the other, my cables turn about 1/4 turn.


Maybe some that are not rigged properly do, but I've been trolling and zig zagging for three seasons with my remote Pro Kicker, and it doesn't change speed or rpms the slightest bit.

[shiprex]

MoDog,

That is sweet!

Shiprex

[eyecatcher01]

MoDog,

That is sweet!

Shiprex

i second Modogs setup! ofcourse he has a ton of cool setups:rockit:

[AllenW]

When you wire your trollmaster give yourself a couple of feet extra wire to play with, I found the trollmaster came with a mounting set up, but the glue didn't hold very well so I siliconed the mount to the side of the drivers compartment out of the way.

I just unclip it to set and then leave it on the gunnale while I'm using it.
Easier to make adjustments for me that way.
When done I just shut off and reclip it so its out of the way.

Al