Best connector to kicker?

[EricCO]

Now that I have my kicker hooked up and even though it is a tiller, I would still like the option of tying it into the main engine so I can sit at the console and control the boat at low speeds.

What is the best connection to make to the main engine?

Connector rod on the back of the engines with balls screwed into cowlings?

or

Balls screwed onto steering of main engine and front of kicker like Cabelas sells.

I want to be able to disconnect the motors easily as well.

Thanks!

[perchjerker]

Personally, I like the ez steer unit. It has brackets that connect to both motors and a coupler thats similar to an air coupler fitting that is used on air tools and the like. Easy to disconnect and durable.

[Art/Co]

Eric,

Glad to hear you got your motor. I use the connecting rod which I made a few bends to. In addition I drilled through the half moon handle in the center on the kicker motor and attached the connecting ball. On the main engine I connected to the steering shaft.

Art

[EricCO]

Do you get a good full range of steering with that? I'm crazy like you and like to get right up in the rocks.

[FreeByrd]

EZ Steer works great. Full Range of steering. Motors can be up/down no problems - it WORKS.
Steve

[Art/Co]

Eric,

I do have full range yet when the wind is really blowing reaction time is terrible. For that I bought an extention handle for the tiller handle.

Art

[Walizz]

Eric, I really like steering from the back of my Triton. For me it's more comfortable and I can do and see everything better. That's just me but just try it for a while, you might like it. I think boat control is better and I don't wear myself out by cranking that wheel all the time. It's also a lot easier when you're fighting and landing fish by yourself. I don't have an extension handle but they look like they work pretty good. Just a thought. That's my .02 cents worth. Good Luck Fishin'.

[KevinA]

Eric,
This setup will give you a full range of steering from the console and keep you from reaching out too far over the back of the boat. When you want the steering connected just pop the rod on, when you want to run with the main just disconnect the rod and run away. The balls the disconnects mount to are permanantly mounted on each motor.

http://users.wi.net/~datuboat/images/SteeringConnect.jpg

All you need is a piece of 3/8ths threaded rod and the two quick-disconnect/ball combos. Cabelas carries the quick disconnects. I picked them up locally for around $15 a set (two disconnects + two balls that lock into them). You can pick up a threaded rod anywhere.

[Bad Finger]

The product in that photo is made and sold by "Goldeneye Products". I have used this connecting rod and it works great.

[EricCO]

KevinA,

thanks for the pic, what effect did that have on the steering friction lever on the kicker?

Where is it connected to your big motor at?

Thanks

[KevinA]

"effect on steering friction level"...not sure I know what you mean. I would disengage any additional friction on the tiller...you won't need it...not sure why you would.

The main motor connect is through a hole in the bracket that is part of the hydraulic steering(SeaStar)...it was a simple bolt it through and tighten it down. The ball portion of the quick disconnect is a bolt on one end & a ball on the other. The Yam connect is through a hole that is already there, though I think I made the hole a bit larger (3/8ths).

I used this setup on my last boat too (Merc 9.9 4S + a 175EFI). The connections were easy on both motors. Hit the disconnects with a little WD40 now & then.

Goldeneye Products sounds about right.

[EricCO]

The steering friction lever is on the kicker right under where you put the ball for your link. It makes the kicker not move when the lever is all the way to the port side. It comes in handy for trailering and when running the motor so it is not so loose and changes direction when you let off the tiller arm.

[Wild Bill]

Another vote for ez steer.Love it.

[whitetips]

Eric , what side of the transom do you have it on?

If its on the port move it to starboard and forget about a rod at all,
I had one on a merc setup and Hydraulic steering to boot. It was tough stuff to steer with that connector on there to stay on certain depths.

Stay with steering from the rear or get an E-Z troll mounted for special trolling situations. For backtrolling you want the tiller handle, plus its easier to troll on starboard (driver)side with the handle in the boat.

[KevinA]

Yes, Eric, I know what the friction control is & where it is located...it just has nothing to do with the steering control ball & rod. The ball/disconnect doesn't interfere with using the friction control lever if you need to use it...I just wouldn't be using it when I'm trying to steer from the console.

Whitetip...again, not sure what you mean. I've had two of these setups on the port side. One with NFB steering & the current one with hydraulic steering. In either case I had/have a full range of steering & it works very easily. Maybe you rod was binding? No idea. Seems like a pretty simple setup to me..for, like, $17 and about 15 minutes install time.

[SLIPKNOT]

I would say go with the one in cabelas. I have it and it works great. Very easy to connect/disconnect also.

[EricCO]

I like lots of options. One option I don't have is putting it on the starboard side. I do fish by myself and when I am on the same side as the kicker I lean too much. I don't have enough stuff in the boat to redistrubute weight. My tackle box is about the heaviest thing in the boat that can be moved.

The tiller handle will hit the big motor if I put it on the starboard side as well.

Thanks

[Dave in Mpls]

Eric-

I see this whole kicker motor situation is the cause of much anxiety for you. Simply ship that motor to me, and you'll once again be able to sleep at night!

Regards

[EricCO]

##### I swear to Osama that this boat is going to be the end of me.

I'm now into manufacturing connector rods. I have been threading and bending 3/8 rods in my garage till the wee hours of the morning. Acutally that is the easy part. THe hard part is coming up with good brackets to hold the balls on the kicker and the one on the steering rod of the main engine.

For not having a clue about machinery or stuff like that, I have done a pretty darn impressive job riggin out the entire boat except for the main engine.

Once I have this all worked out, I'm not sure what I'm going to do with my time? Actually go fishing? Sheesh.