E.Z. Steer connector rods?

[Brad/nd]

Does anyone have any experience with these connector rods for outboard to outboard? I've been looking for a way to modify mine. I've gone through 2 of the quick-connect type rods that mount on the front of the engines. The ends & springs eventually wear and start to rattle excessively. Lately I've been filling each end with grease, but only a temporary fix. I saw one dealer modify a ty-rod (spell?) off a snowmobile, and said it worked slick.
I've been looking into the E.Z. rods, but would like some input on how well they hold up. I never unhook the steering rods, so am trying to come up with a solid & stable (rattle-free) rod attachment.
Thanks for any advice.

Take care,

Brad

[Stotch]

Too expensive, both yokes that attach to the motors are very delicate, the rods came apart and lost the one end in the lake, can't tilt the motor up to high for fear of either breaking the yoke or causing damaged to the motors.

Save your money and install heavier springs on the front type connectors, it stops the rattles and noise.

[Eric]

Brad sorry to hear about the problem with the steering link. I think I can help with some of those difficulties.
1-Spray Teflon onto the ball joints.
2-Get a silicon sealant.
3-fill the socket end with the sealant. not too full though.
push the ball stud into the quick realease socket and let the silicon cure.

This should eliminate the rattle and dampen the shock to the socket and spring.
jeep in mind there is a new electric system out as well.

Eric Olson
Panther Marine Products

[PRO-V]

Brad,
I have the EZ steer system connecting a 150 Optimax and 9.9 four stroke and I love it. They are expensive, but I feel it is worth it. One thing I recommend...if you are connecting to a 4 stroke kicker, talk to EZ steer about the cord assembly they have. I had a problem with the rods disconnecting on occasion. They stated that the rods were not initially designed for four stroke use, and that they designed a very basic bungee cord assembly to keep the rods together. I bought my setup in late '97 and I will stay with this on any boat I have. I troll on Lake Michigan for salmon in the summer and let me tell you, when you're out there for 6-8 hours in 3-5 footers, I'll trust my steering wheel more than a tiller.

Good luck and tight lines.

PRO-V

[RayChamp]

I also have these connector rods. I leave them off when I leave port and return to port. I only put them off when I reach the trolling area. Its a little hard to put them on and take them off in the trolling area because of the waves. Will it hurt to leave them on, hurt speed, etc.??

Ray Champ

[RayChamp]

I was also told that when I start to troll that I should raise my big engine and the steering will be easier. Is this correct??

Ray Champ

[T-Mac]

Brad...
you fish too much, if you are wearin those dudes out.
LOL.
:)

[RayChamp]

OK

[PRO-V]

Raychamp,
I never take my steering rods off and I've had no problem. As far as raising the main motor to steer, I don't believe that makes a difference. I leave mine down and the kicker moves in sync with the main motor.

PRO-V

[wal-lies]

I have never had any troble with mine. Well, I did at first. I broke an end off. I called EZ-Steer and found that I had the wrong rod length. They replaced it without any problems. Has been smooth sailing ever since.

Todd

[Brad/nd]

Eric,

Thanks for the information. I will give it a try.

Take care,

Brad

[Brad/nd]

Yeah... I know, that's what the wife says! But I sure am having fun doing it!

Take care...

Brad

[Brad/nd]

Thanks for all the great info. I will try Eric's idea with the teflon first. I did try the plastic dip stuff that you buy in a can for coating wrenches etc., but soon wore off!
Have fun,

Brad