Kicker steering with main up/down, and lateral boat balance

jlastofka

Hi,

Looking through the old posts has partly answered my questions, but:
On a new 22 cruiser coming with 90 and 9.9 I was going to mount the kicker to starboard where all the main cables are, to keep the port side clear for swim step use. This makes the engine install more crowded, and I've read that when driving the boat by myself there could be a starboard listing issue at low speed (trim tabs for cruising). Any comments?

Also, in planning the steering linkage, will I want to tilt the main up while steering with the kicker, or just leave it down? Up, there would be less drag, but do I care? Seems like using a Cabella's connector rod with both engines down is the easy way to go, unless I'll really want to tilt the main up and it messes up the linkage geometry. Maybe the angles/distances don't change enough to worry about?

Jeff

416rigby · Posted: Sun Jun 17, 2007 9:30 pm Post subject:

The Cabelas' rod works great with the main up or down. I keep it down when I want to go slow (trolling) or up when I want to go fast (if the main conked out)

Rick

Steven Dore · Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2007 10:54 am Post subject:

I don't use a connect rod, so I can steer by the kicker only if necessary. The knuckle on the tiller allows you to turn the kicker with the main engine down. It is tight, but it works.

You can also use the kicker for propulsion and steer by the wheel using the main engine as a rudder.

As to balance, I calculate that the port side water tank will offset the starboard side kicker.