I Just Got My Kicker Motor. Now What?

[punch1]

I just got my Merc 9.9 Bigfoot to pair up next to my Merc 125. I have several questions. First it is apparent that I'll need some sort of bracket to hold the kicker in the up position when riding over the rough water. Can the factory installed lift bracket work or do I need an aftermarket one? I've heard of Panther and Bracket Pro. Are they designed to do the same job? Is one better than the other and at what costs? Which way would you go on this one? I have a Crestliner SportFish 1750. <br />Also, what would you recommend for steering the kicker. I would like some input from those who have some of the aftermarket products rigged for the steering and your honest input on them. From what I've checked, the price range is anywhere from $30 for the bendable do it yourself hook up to $300 for electric remote steering. Any help is appreciated on this one! Thanks

 

[punch1]

Re: I Just Got My Kicker Motor. Now What?

Someone? Anyone? Please?

 

[Hooty]

Re: I Just Got My Kicker Motor. Now What?

Punch Uno,<br />I personally have never had a boat with a kicker set-up. Therefore the only thing I can offer is what some of these other gents on the board recommend. Some say you can use your main engine like a rudder if the wind and water permit. Others say rig a linkage from your main engine to tha kicker and steer that-a-way. I'm sure there are other ways but those are the two answers I recall.<br />Keep us informed an'<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />hooty

 

[12Footer]

Re: I Just Got My Kicker Motor. Now What?

There are pricey, store-bought solutions to your mountng needs. Use a lot of head-scratching. There are as many ways to control the kicker as there are bukz. Some have to be operated from the transom...Don't laugh,I've seen it. Then thre are the daul-control ugly-but-effective approaches. And finally, Bob's machine shop, who build jackplates, mounting brackets, and sell low water pickups and such,will design a control system to your specifications. All boats are different.All captains are too.<br />I steered mine with 1/8" SS wire rope,and set-n-forget throttle possitioning...Not the safest thing to do, as speed can't be controlled from the helm. But then,no biggy at 5 knots WOT trolling.

 

[DJ]

Re: I Just Got My Kicker Motor. Now What?

Does your Crest. have a special mounting area for the kicker? If so, just tilt the engine up when running at planing speeds.<br /><br />As far as steering, there is some merit for using the main engine as a rudder. If you want more precise control, look into an engine coupler made by EZ-Steer.

 

[Ross J]

Re: I Just Got My Kicker Motor. Now What?

Hey punch1, Hooty has a good point. Make a rod that fits between your main motor and the kicker motor, this way you have full control over the steering. Make it so it is removable, after all you only want it occasionally. Mine is fitted to each motor via the cowling, I have shower head type attachment on each with a rod that fits snuggly between them, safety is via a bungy cord in case it lets go. I've not had any trouble as yet.<br />Ross

 

[Pursuit2150]

Re: I Just Got My Kicker Motor. Now What?

Punch- West marine has E.Z. Steer,in the cat. sells for, $170.00. complete.

 

[mbb]

Re: I Just Got My Kicker Motor. Now What?

I just use the main motor to steer. My kicker has a center lock on it that holds it in place. Had to be adjusted because motor offset from centerline, but works fine steering w/main motor at trolling speeds. If I need more I go back and use the tiller handle.