Kicker Steering

makushin · Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 9:24 pm Post subject: Kicker Steering

I'm wondering about prefered methods of steering the kicker.

On my 16 Anger I have a quick connect tie rod to the main and steer from the helm. This works fine on the 16 as the back is open and you are already pretty close to the motor so moving back and forth to adjust throttle easily.

On my last skiff i just used a tiller extension.

The problem I forsee on the 22CD is that you are a bit further from the stern and must navigate a door when using the tie rod method.

A tiller extension would work but then you have to closely attend things from the back of the boat and be more exposed to the weather.

I took a charter trip once where the captain had a remote steering and throttle unit with joystick controls attached to a long electrical cord. He could stand anywhere in the back of the boat or just inside the door and control speed and direction from the comfort of the cabin yet was close to the rods to quickly respond to a fish strike.

Anyone have or heard of this type of system?

Any comments on what works well would be appreciated.

Helen O · Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 9:55 pm Post subject:

Mak

I use the tie rod setup on my 25', wouldn't have it any other way.
On several occasions I've been operating with the autopilot on while standing in the cockpit when a fish strikes. No problem, just set the hook on the fish then back up into the cabin (keeping the rod tip out the cabin door) to the helm and turn off the autopilot. Then return to the cockpit, disconnect the tie rod and use the kicker manually.

D5800877351 · Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 9:57 pm Post subject: Re: Kicker Steering

digger · Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 10:52 pm Post subject: Tie Rod Plus

On Snoopy-C I have a tie rod to the main motor for steering plus the trollmaster to control the speed and direction on the kicker. I do this from the cabin. However, I installed hydraulic steering, and put a second helm on the cabin bulkhead, plus remote trolling motor controls on the side of the gunnel. That way I have full control of the trolling motor from the cockpit steering helm. I also placed a second fishfinder, and second gps to monitor fish, depth, and track from the cockpit helm. It works great, but I admit turned into a little spendy project ($1200). I just wanted to do it. I had toyed with the idea of stick steering, but the cable steering was sort of a no feedback system (it was hard to turn the main motor without using the cable helm from inside the cabin. The stick steering would have been hard to use with that system.

True Story · Posted: Sat Jan 29, 2005 9:37 am Post subject:

You might want to check out the TR-1 Gold auto pilot for four stroke kickers. www.nautamatic.com. Very cool wireless remote unit with gyro compass that has become somewhat popular around the Northwest particularily with fishing enthusiasts. I would have one but the unit costs as much as my kicker new.

I opted for the tie bar and Trollmaster remote throttle control unit which allows for steering and throttle control for the kicker from the helm station. Can't remember exactly how much the Trollmaster cost, but I think it was under $200 and has proven to be a reliable unit although I troll almost exclusively with the main.

Tim