Dual Outboards - What Do I Need?

[Buster_boy]

I just purchased a 2001 Sylvan 816 Elite Cruise pontoon. It has a 40hp Johnson. I'd like to also mount a 9.9hp as well giving me dual outboards. Besides the extra motor what do I need to make that happen?

Thanks in advance
Jim Carlson
Aug 09 2015 Newb

 

[1983 ercoa 21']

Your adding a kicker motor dual outboards would be a matched set of of motors used to propel the boat at the same time.
a kicker motor is used for trolling and or a back up to be able to return to port.
as to what's needed would be a place to mount it and a way to control it.
they make kicker mounts that you can fab to your boat.
controls can be tiller or remote which are you wanting to use ?

 

[Buster_boy]

I don't want tiller. If it's possible I'd like to use existing controls or dual controls. Let me explain more. I live 1 mile from Hoover Reservoir in Columbus Oh and that is where I'll keep it docked. Hoover has a 9.9hp limit. I can use the kicker but need to keep the 40 tilted out of the water.

I also live 7 miles from Alum Creek Reservoir that is open hp. Since the boat came with a 40 I don't want to give that up in case I want to tube on Alum Creek or others.

So that is why I want the kicker. See my dilemma?

Thanks again! :0)

Jim

 

[1983 ercoa 21']

Yes I see the dilemma.
my 1st thought would be adding a kicker mount.then use the universal steering arm that clamps to each mid section therefore steering is the same for each motor. Then would run a separate set of controls to the helm.
or look into a minn Kota trolling motor that mounts above the cavitation plate on the 40 hp

 

[Buster_boy]

So with the universal steering arm will that work with the 40 horse tilted up?

 

[1983 ercoa 21']

I'm not sure about that 100% you will have to look them up and find out.
there is only two other ways of having a common steering point.

1 is a rod from the short arm on front of each motor which will not work on a pontoon because you cannot use the same transom.

2 being hydraulic steering which is very expensive unless you already have hydraulic steering on the main motor?

 

[Buster_boy]

OK sounds good. It's either I tilt or I remove the prop. Hoover is a city park and it's where they get the drinking water from so they have all these restrictions on power boats - pontoons only, 22 ft max, 10 horse max, and 10 mph. No alcohol or swimming either. Alum Creek is state owned so anything goes up there.

I've got some decisions to make but I have all winter to make them. You set me in the right direction though, and thanks a ton for that.

Jim Carlson

 

[littlerayray]

You could remove the 40hp motor put the 9.9 in its place and store the 40 in garage or somewhere and when you go to a lake that's unrestricted swap the motors

 

[Buster_boy]

Ray ray - I considered that too. This is first boat I've owned so I don't know - is that hard to do? Is it just a fuel line, electrical cables, steering, and a few mounting bolts?

 

[GA_Boater]

I would check the regs, Most lakes with restrictions mean you can't have a motor larger than allowed mounted on the boat. Just like electric only, you can't have a gas motor mounted.

By checking the regs, I don't mean look and see if other boaters are doing what you want to do. I mean check with the people that write the tickets.

 

[Buster_boy]

GA - I have. That's how I know it has to be tilted or have the prop removed. Thanks for the tip though.

 

[lmuss53]

I would lock the kicker straight, pull the prop off the 40 and steer with the big motor. I steer a 5 hp kicker with my 70 on the Sea Nymph all the time. I pulled the linkage system off because it was a continuous PITA, leaving the kicker locked straight and steering with the big motor is very easy.

My former supervisor has retired and is now guiding from a 19 foot V-hull, he steers his 9.9 kicker this way every day.

 

[littlerayray]

I would ask the outboard guys but it can't be that difficult other then matching up the linkage for steering but Imuss has a great idea

 

[1983 ercoa 21']

I would lock the kicker straight, pull the prop off the 40 and steer with the big motor. I steer a 5 hp kicker with my 70 on the Sea Nymph all the time. I pulled the linkage system off because it was a continuous PITA, leaving the kicker locked straight and steering with the big motor is very easy.

My former supervisor has retired and is now guiding from a 19 foot V-hull, he steers his 9.9 kicker this way every day.

how well does that work on a pontoon in tight quarters and backing up?

I see it working while under way but turning a little slower from the lack of thrust.

I could also see a issue when loading the boat .

 

[GA_Boater]

GA - I have. That's how I know it has to be tilted or have the prop removed. Thanks for the tip though.

Just making sure, Buster. From what I've read, this lake has pretty picky enforcement and the idea about taking the prop off the big motor to steer with may be asking for a ticket. I don't know.

 

[ondarvr]

Look at the Panther steering link, it works well, and can work with the main motor tilted up. Trying to steer a pontoon boat by locking the kicker straight and turning the main motor would be a nightmare.

I used the Panther link on the last pontoon boat.

 

[Reel Kahuna]

+1 on the Panther linkage. http://www.amazon.com/Marinetech-55...sr=8-1&keywords=kicker+motor+steering+linkage

 

[lmuss53]

I can't say how it would work on a pontoon, but I took an Easy Steer system off my 17 foot Starcraft and locked the 9.9 down, I used it in and around docks and loaded the boat many times. It was really no more or less difficult to control the boat either way, just a lot less BS involved with a locked up motor and no linkage to mess with.

If I had to go with a linkage system again it would be one that goes from steering linkage on big motor to steering on the kicker. I would never have another system that linked from lower unit to lower unit, if you gave me one I'd throw it away.

I think I'd build the mounting bracket/transom first and see how it worked just running straight and steering with the big motor. If you find you need linkage then add it.

Fabricating the bracket for the kicker on the back of a pontoon is going to be the hardest part of this project.

 

[Buster_boy]

GA, yes they do. I've seen park Rangers with binos, checking paper work, and checking coolers and live wells. They don't miss a trick.

 

[Buster_boy]

Awe man, the Panther is the way for me! You guys have all been awesome and extremely helpful. This NewB is very appreciative.