Stick Steering

[Dave Turner]

I want to get rid of the console and steering wheel to give me more room to move around in my fishing boat. Most stick steering I see on boats is up front and on the left. I figure it is easier to rout the cable back to the motor and control the steering from that side. I would like to have my stick steering with my throttle on the right side so I can sit behind where my console would have been. Any theory on stick steering placement and can I rout it from the right side and make it work?

Question: Has anyone ever done or seen anyone move the steering wheel and rack to the side of the gunnel and steer the boat from there? Just wonder if that can be done? Thanks much

 

[gm280]

Dave, I'm actually building a stick steering tri-hull boat myself presently. But I am going with the usual setup on the left (port) side of the boat. You can set up your boat most anyway you like. I don't think there is any law stating it has to go on the port/left side. So have at it. It will just take some time to get use to the stick operations I'm sure.

I think the reason they usually install the stick steering on the port side, is because you control the speed and gearing from the starboard side with your right hand. So you will have to use two hands on the right side of the boat at times if you go that way. JMHO! :noidea:

 

[Dave Turner]

I had a Tracker with stick steering and you sat up front in the middle and controlled the stick with one hand and the speed with the other. Felt like playing a video game and harder to troll when rods are running off the back. I just want the extra room in the tub of my fishing boat. When we hook a good fish and need to net it, you always have the console to get around. I need a bigger boat. Lol

 

[oldboat1]

Gunnel installation would probably be more flush with a stick system, but could rig a steering wheel.

Let's see, to turn to starboard, you would pull back on the stick -- similarly pull the wheel. That would be for starboard installation -- steering ram comes in from starboard, pushes out to port, swivels motor counterclockwise, pushes bow to starboard. Makes my head hurt....

Could be a nice fishing rig. Would like to see pics as you go.

 

[steelespike]

I had a vintage inboard boat with stick steer on the starboard side with the shift and throttle positioned for the left hand.
The more common clockwise rotation tends to raise the starboard side. If need be I would set the throttle above idle and control the boat speed with the shift and stick.You have the advantage with a single control for speed and shifting. In the old days the stick steer used 1/2" iron water pipe bent and configured to connect to the rudder.Even the expensive boats used water pipe and automotive style steering wheels.