Power tiller assit?

[fishhogg1]

Has anyone heard anything on the Mark X power tiller assit? Just wondering what is happening. I have to miss the Ranger meeting this weekend and was looking forward to getting an update on it there! I see a 620T in my near future.

[Dave in Walker]

Is this something different then the merlin system? I test drove one last summer and was extremely impressed. So maybe this one is different? I am changing rigs this winter and want it, or I will go with the Warrior and there system which IS available and awesome also.

[GJS]

Thats kinda what I am thinking. I have a Warrior now and am either going to put on the Mertin system or Warriors Pro-Tiller system this winter. Every time I have asked when Mertins system will be available they say to be patient, it will be out soon, times running out! I am going to schedule my boat to have a Pro-Tiller system put on real soon.

[fishhogg1]

That is the system I am referring to. I read about Pete Harsh breaking the speed record for tiller boats using this system and it just gave me goose bumps. I sure hope Ranger can rerate the 620T to at least be able to get the 135hp Opti on it!

[PTS]

Power Tiller Steering will be available on larger Mercury, Yamaha, and Suzuki outboards in April, 2004. We will also offer conversion kits to attach Power Tiller Steering systems to higher horsepower outboard applications. Tim Merten, Merten Marine Ltd. (920 231-6751)

[R Muccilli]

Howdy Tim,

Is a 115 four stroke in the higher horsepower bracket?
I will give you a call as well, thanks!

[ia_waterfowler]

Tim,

Do you know where the boat manufacturers are in getting approval to increase the horsepower ratings on the tiller boats powered by outboards with the power tiller steering system?

Thanks,
Garry

[Dave in Walker]

Am very excited about this technology becoming available. Folks this system is awesome, tested a 620T with a 125 Merc last summer, George Feders boat and was extremely impressed. I will be getting a new boat this winter, or installing it on what I have now, if it is fairly priced I will have it, only other choice is Warriors system which is equally awesome but now we will have choices. For all you grey haired old timers who love there tillers, as Steve Fellegy calls himself, I am included, I am 55, have the grey hair, and love my tiller. Now those 10+ mile runs across Lake of the Woods, Mille Lacs, Winnie, in the wind will not kick my A-- plus hugely safer. Will call you on Monday Tim.

[fishpoop]

I run a 16 foot Lund with a 50 horse Yamaha tiller and am thinking of getting a bigger tiller boat.

Can anyone tell me what the new Mark X power assist system is? I have never heard of it. Is there a website that can provide more info on it? The only other one that I have heard of is the Warrior system.

Thanks all

Note to Moderator: Not trying to direct traffic from this site, just trying to get more info on a particualar subject. Thanks

[Dave in Walker]

Its called the Mertin tiller system. Not sure of the technology of this system, but the end result is very good, unlike Warriors system you steer with the tiller handle, and not a rocker switch, as soon as you release your hand on the handle it locks up, its pressure sensitive to your hand. Its a clean looking system and will revolutionize handling larger motors by a tiller handle. I test drove one last summer, a 620T Ranger with a 125 Merc, its sweet.
Maybe Tim Mertin, George Feder, Pete Harsch or others can chime in and give some of the details, it is supposed to be available by April, and I for one will have it.

[walleye guide]

TIM MERTEN SET UP A POWER TILLER SYSTEM ON MY BOAT FOR TESTING THIS PAST SEASON.AFTER RUNNING THE SYSTEM I MUST ADMIT THAT THIS IS REALLY QUITE A TOOL.THE MOTOR IS RUN JUST AS NORMAL BUT WITHOUT ANY STEERING TORQUE,AT ANY SPEED OR ANY TRIM ANGLE.ALSO ALLOWED ME TO RUN HIGHER UP ON THE TRANSOM,HELPING TOPEND SPEED.THE POWER SYSTEM ALLOWS YOU TO HOLD THE GRIP FOR SPEED CONTROL WITHOUT ANY MOVEMENT,MOTOR WILL NOT MOVE UNLESS YOU MOVE THE TILLER HANDLE.EVERYONE WHO RAN THE SYSTEM WAS VERY IMPRESSED. ANYONE WHO WANTS MORE INFO ON MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE MERTEN POWER TILLER STEERING CAN CALL ME AT 1 262 473 5960 thanks WALLEYE GUIDE

[FEDER]

This system is full power steering, and as Tim said be ready for the general public this spring. I was able to run the system this season on my Ranger 620T with Mercury 125 and all i can say is the new level of steering systems for tillers has arrived. I ran the other system for two years that has been talked about, and all i can say is when a person can run both systems, there is only one choice. I gave 75 demo rides in my boat this summer and not a person could find any fault with the Mark-X system. If you plan on running a system this year get your name on the list with Alex Marine 1-320-762-2283. Give me a call and i will be very happy to tell you more about the system. The new tiller steering has arrived!!!!!

George Feder

[George P]

Are the boat manufactors (Ranger) going to rerate for higher horsepower? Does anyone know. I am looking at 2004 Ranger catalog and the list max horsepower as 125 for 620t.

[George P]

Are the boat manufactors (Ranger) going to rerate for higher horsepower? Does anyone know. I am looking at 2004 Ranger catalog and the list max horsepower as 125 for 620t.

[eye tiller]

I find it hard to believe that the boat builders will up the ratings on their boats. The only way I can see this happening is if it were a factory standord feature, i.e. Warrior,. It will without question allow more horsepower to be safely controlled. But without the manufacturers making a boat model (Ranger 620-PST) with this power steering system standard I don't see it resulting in higher ratings.

I just hope it does not hit the market with an unreasonable price. At what point do you guys see this as being to expensive or just not worth the money? I would probably not buy the unit at a price above $900.00.

[FEDER]

I do believe that we will start to see changes in the horsepowers on tiller boats as demand increases. The question of how much for a system, Warrior gets $1600.00 for the Pro-Tiller and what does a X-19 or X-104 cost. What is it worth to the operator for safety and total comfort while moving or back trolling for a day on the water?

[WALLEYE GUIDE]

I BELIEVE THE COST OF THE POWER TILLER STEERING WILL BE AROUND $1800.00 AND $200.00 INSTALL. SOUNDS LIKE ALOT OF MONEY, AND IT IS, BUT IF YOU TRY THE SYSTEM YOU WILL VERY LIKELY OWN ONE. AS THESE HIT THE MARKET THE RESPONSE WILL BE THE SAME AS ALL THE PEOPLE WHO TOOK MY BOAT FOR A DEMO RIDE. IT`S ABOUT TIME! WHEN CAN I GET ONE! I CAN` T BELIEVE IT! I WILL HAVE THIS ON MY NEXT BOAT! I`M GOING BACK TO A TILLER! THE POWER TILLER STEERING WILL BE AT SOME OF THE UPCOMING BOAT SHOWS FOR ALL TO SEE. thanks WALLEYE GUIDE

[eye tiller]

$2000.00 installed!!! WOW. I remember when all the hype started for this system that part of the exciting part about it was that it was going to be reasonably priced. If it hits the market at two grand it will be very disappointing. I can remember talk of the Merten system being better than and more reasonably priced than Warriors. Sounds like it will be price out of my league. Warrior has a system that is $400.00 less, their boats have the higher ratings and can be serviced through a network of dealers. How can this new deal be better? Warriors system is over priced to begin with. True I have not tried it yet but for a couple of grand I think I'll just run my rig the way I have for the last couple of decades. It does sound like a great deal for tiller guys with a extra two grand laying around. Enjoy!

[WALLEYE GUIDE]

EYE TILLER-----I THINK YOU AND I NEED TO HOOK UP WHEN THE WATER OPENS UP FOR A TEST DRIVE!!!!!


WALLEYE GUIDE 1-262 473 5960

[DJH]

I have to side with Eye Tiller on this one Walleye Guide. I run a 20ft 125hp tiller with no assit and was very interested in this new product for my rig, but at the price range your suggesting, it will never find my boat. I'm sure it is a nice option, but I know I really can get by without it as I have for the last 15 years. Maybe if was around $800 I would reconsider. Unlike some, I do have a budget for fishing. DJH

[Vikings Fan]

Too high as compared to what? $800.00 won't buy you 2 G.loomis rods with top quality reels. Or even a good bow mount anymore. The new Lowrance 104 depthfinder is over $2000.00 The TR 1 Autopilot costs about 2 grand and that is only for a kicker mtr. / The old mechanical hydraulic system for wheeel boats is about a grand and does and consists of far less than the Power Tiller system. Power steering on a tiller motor would be the first option I would put on my boat. I would not drive one of my vehicles without it either.

[Dave G]

I would like one for my 70 hp tiller as I have a bad left elbow. But I cannot justify spending over $600 for a power tiller assist. I do not own expensive tackle or gear but I believe I get as much (maybe more) enjoyment out of fishing as the guys in the $50,000 rigs with all their high priced toys.

Dave Gulczinski

[mark t.]

It is overpriced in my book as well. Probably is worth every penny but there is no way I'm going to drop $2k on a power steering system. And this comes from someone that just dropped $26k into a new tiller. Join forces with some manufacturers and raise the HP limit like Warrior - and then I see the value. Otherwise, I'll let my arm get really sore on those long runs to save $2k!

[dslars]

I think the point being missed is that yes it is awesome and a nice feature to have but, if you take boat for boat and motor for motor with the addition of the steering system your price is really close to a steering wheel boat. So you really have to want a tiller to justify spending the money? Just a thought, not wanting to start an argument.

[fishhogg1]

Is this unit going to be offered for sale to anyone or will it have to be installed by a specific dealer?

[Koldfront Kraig]

$2000.00, I'd have to give that some thought.

Is there a website where a guy can look at this system and get more info?

Can it be taken off and installed on a newer boat when its time to upgrade?

People have been talking about this system for the last year. It's kind of like a covert operation, on a need to know basis only.