Locking the steering on a tiller steer outboard

[chousner]

Hi, <br /><br />I have a trailering question. <br /><br />I have a Mercury 9.9 HP Four Stroke that I transport while mounted on the transom of my boat. I have set the auto-pilot friction setting as high as it will go, but when I turn around corners the motor flops to one side or another. I have attenmped to use bungie cords or rubber straps to prevent this side to side movement, but I have not succeeded. Any suggestions? Someone suggested a "Motor Toter", but I don't know what this is or where to find one. <br /><br />Thanks, <br /><br />Chuck <br /><br />(Tired Old Dog)

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: Locking the steering on a tiller steer outboard

I'm surprised that you're having trouble with bungies. That's the way "everyone" does it, from what I've seen. Maybe they're not tight/strong enough? Are you turning the motor to one side or trying to bungie it on both sides, keeping it centered?<br /><br />Here's how I do, or have done it. In all cases, I turn the motor all the way to one side or the other and bungie it in that position.<br /><br />rear of kicker has a carrying handle: bungie this to main engine, to transom eyelet/handle or to cleat or gunwale near transom. Can also hook bungie around leg or even prop if that's easier - depending on position on the boat you're attaching the other end.<br /><br />front of kicker also has a handle type thing. I've bungied that to various parts the rear seat structure (off to the side) or to cleat or gunwale. Have done the same thing but hooking around the tiller itself (near the motor, handle folded up). <br /><br />Good luck

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: Locking the steering on a tiller steer outboard

PS: Re the "auto pilot" I'm unsure about what that means, but will guess it means some sort of remote steering linkage to a main motor?<br /><br />If this is the case... I always bungie the main motor and the kicker in the same position, but separately/independently. The remote steering linkage (I have an EZ Steer) won't hold the kicker by itself during trailering. If the main is bungied into place, the kicker would still swing even though it's connected to the main by the EZ steer, unless bungied.