What are my steering/trolling options with this rig?

[woodsdweller]

Am leaning toward buying a Monark Pro 1900 with 120 Merc and 9.9 Merc kicker (both 2 strokes), as well as Motorguide 67# bowmount (24v). I'm wondering just how slow the main motor could idle down for open water trolling. I've heard of "smart guages". Is this an option for this motor?

The steering isn't hydraulic. Don't think I want to connect kicker to console for precise trolling. A further complication, it sits pretty far back. I'd have to sit on the uncomfortable aft casting deck all day using the tiller. Is there a better way to do this, such as remote steering? Is back trolling possible with such a setup?

Finally, how might the bowmount work for trolling at crankbait speeds along a breakline? Do you think the batteries could run at such speeds for a full day, or is that asking too much?

Whew, lots of questions!! I take it for a test ride Saturday. Just need to know what it will take to make it fishable for a tiller, "recently-turned-family-boat", guy like me.

Thanks in advance everybody. Woodsdweller

[woodsdweller]

Well, I bit the bullet and bought the boat. Wife and kids are really pleased, got a good deal, and I think it will fish great when I figure out how to use it.

The owner just sets the kicker for trolling, and uses main motor as a rudder , steering from console. Works OK, but I suspect will not work great on tight breaklines or in the wind. We didn't have GPS to check speed. Seemed to me main motor idles at under 3mph, maybe even 2mph. Am concerned about fouling plugs trolling all day with it, though. Still wondering how you console folks set up and use a combo of main motor, kicker and bowmount. Any thoughts?

Woodsdweller (the formerly happy "tiller guy" -- sniff,sniff)

[GR8WTHUNTER]

Try running your big motor as a rudder. I did and found that at times when the wind would kick up it was a pain in the .....
There are a few options to connect the motors. Doing so will give you better control and will make for a bettre day on the water. Rich

[downriverbob]

You can invest TR-1 Autopilot about $1750.00, it has a wired remote that allows you operate the kicker anywhere in the boat. Since you have a 2 cycle you will have to run the throttle manually, they have a four stroke throttle control, but not 2 stroke. I have also seen tiller handle extenders that swievel for less than $100.00 in the Cabelas catalog.

[BO #582]

WOODSDWELLER, DROP ME AN E-MAIL @ WALLEEEYE@AOL.COM AND I'LL SEND YOU INFO ON THE TR-1. GREAT UNIT FOR KICKER MOTORS! TIGHT LINES, BO #582

[woodsdweller]

Thanks for replying guys. Saw a Goldeneye connector in the BPS catalog. I'm sure it works well for open water trolling and wide turns. Does it turn tight enough for trolling breaklines?

Bo, I've sent you an e-mail. The TR-1 sounds good -- and expensive. I'll check out the info you send.

Did a search and read about a Simrad AP-12, as well as a Panther electrosteer which some guys use with a Trollmaster remote throttle. Much cheaper, but do they work well enough to do the job? Anyone tried them?