Kicker control

[Larry M.]

I have a 9.9 kicker on a 17 foot Lund-Panther lift and electric start. Currently it's tiller controlled but I'm aware that remote controll and tying to main motor and controlling from counsel are options. Can anyone give me the pros and cons of each and what your experience has been. I fish walleye in northern states and canada predominately with live bait and spinners or jigs but want to start pulling crank baits. I have bow mounted electric troller.

[Larry M.]

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[Gumbo]

Steering from the console is great for big water, long runs, inclement weather (if you have a top), and just plain convenience and comfort. However, it's slower to react with a wheel than with the tiller. So steering from the tiller is ideal in strong winds (if you're not going with the wind), backtrolling, or following tight bottom contours.

Depending on your fishing style, the importance of steering from the kicker or console will vary. If your kicker has a tiller, you can choose to steer from the console by disconnecting the rod. But you have to choose where the throttle control will be placed.

Good luck.

[Larry M.]

Thanks Dennis!

Just the kind of response I needed - somthing to help me think through the options.

[Juls_WI]

Have you checked out Panther's Electro-Steer? It has a response time of only 3.9 seconds from side to side. That's pretty fast.

I have used both the Electro-Steer, TR-1, and the steering from the console, and I can't say that I like the control from the console when trolling one bit. The remote steering just makes the experience much more enjoyable. You don't have to keep running back to the steering wheel to make corrections in direction. With the remote, you can be standing anywhere in the boat and have control. This is a plus when your fishing alone or bringing in a fish.

Just my opinion...

Juls

[Larry M.]

Thanks juls! I appreciate you experienced opinion, thats what makes this board so helpful. I'm going to check out the panther-I have their lift and it's a great product.

[Stan]

Larry,

Everyone pretty much covered all the steering options, but there are somt throttle control options too. You could have a conventional throttle/gearshift unit permanently installed, or go with a corded remote unit like the Troll Master or TR-1 units. These would allow you to contol speed wherever you were steering from.(in the boat that is !) Personally, now that I can steer and control throttle from anywhere while trolling , who's going to make a "Lazy-Boy)" helm seat! )

[Dan]

Do you have the address for Panther? Can I find info on the electro-steer on their website? I'm looking into the TR-1 now and would like to look at this from what you've said. Do you like it better than the TR-1?

I've also heard that you can steer quite well with a pinpoint on the bow while motoring straight with the kicker. I've been considering this also, do you think the kicker control is a better way to go?

I've heard that without the main motor tied for a major rudder, the kicker has a hard time controlling a boat since it is off center. Have you had any problems? Thanks, Dan

[Stan]

www.panthermarine.com

[Juls_WI]

You can contact Eric Olson at Panther Marine at: 800-811-5960 ext. 115

Eric can answer all your questions about the product.

Juls