Electric steering for kicker motor.

Post by **Slammy** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 6:04 pm

My kicker motor is a 4hp 4s Honda & needs to be mounted on a hinged bracket. Does anybody use the electric steering box with hand held control { hardwired }, instead of linking to the main motor? Other than the fact of having something else to trip over is there any pros & cons to the unit. Thanks in advance.

Post by **Carl** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 12:59 pm

Can you explain a little more what you mean by hand held control?

I have a 9.9 kicker and there's a unique steering mechanism on it... To say the least I'll be changing it and attaching to my main motor.

If you have the option have it attached to the main motor it makes things much easier.

Carlco

Post by **McQ** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 1:07 pm

Check out these auto steers

http://www.raymarine.com/raymarine/Prod ... ct_id=3011

available from Raytech in Laval - about $1,600

http://www.nautamatic.com/gold/pricesAccess.htm

Available through website US pricing.

NMEA compatible - use your GPS routes.

McQ

Post by **Slammy** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 8:02 pm

Not too familiar with how to go about posting pictures on the forum but http://marinetechinfo/pmarine/pmarine_l ... sku=550100 has pictures. Unit is made by Panther marine. The local marina has them for $400.00

Post by **McQ** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 8:49 pm

I think this is the unit you're thinking about.

http://www.greatoutdoors.com/panther/mo ... steer.html

It is a basic electro steer model that hasn't been accepted too broadly - most fishermen want the electronic remote.

RayMarines is the #1 selection for fishermen & boaters - fresh & saltwater.

No cables to trip over, much more versatility and reliability. Can be programmed through your NMEA cables to trace routes on your GPS.

Post by **eye-tracker** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 10:35 am

Hello
I have used the TR-1 and Panther systems in the past. The TR-1 will interface with a GPS unit for full autopilot way-point navigation and throttle control for trolling. They are pricey, but in the past few years most walleye anglers have been using a bow mount electric auto-pilot or bottom tracking unit to steer and the kicker provides the thrust.

The panther units are great for boats that have an electric jack-plate or strange step back configuration where a steering linkage bar can not be used. Just remember you will still need to control the throttle at the kicker.

The Raymarine units do not work very well on small boats (Less than 20ft) as the constant movement of a small boat causes the auto-pilot/steer to constantly correct and over steer the boat. On large heavy boats they work great. Give Raymarine support a call if you have any questions as they have been very helpful to me in the past when looking at their autopilot products.

Good luck...

-Sheldon