kicker location

[beckoning]

Prior 19' had the kicker on port. Replacement boat best location is starboard. Does starboard vs port side kicker location present a particular problem? Or, like port pushing to starboard, does starboard push to port? So it's just a steering compensation issue?

 

[cyclops222]

I can tell you this fact about trolling motor locations.
A BOW mounted motor...PULLING... is the most efficient use of power. And smooth steering of a boat.
Especially in wind and current conditions.
Mabe direction of main prop rotation could determine which side is better.

 

[Thirsty Endgrain]

Depending on the boat it's a weight thing too, if my cockpit is starboard I'd probably want kicker on port.

 

[rolmops]

Depending on the boat it's a weight thing too, if my cockpit is starboard I'd probably want kicker on port.

Unless my fishing buddy is big and fat....

 

[JimS123]

My last 3 kickers were mounted stbd. Does it matter? Probably not. In my cases a port side boarding ladder made it the only choice.

Quite possibly the offset engine will tend to push to one side. Thus, having a connection to the main is a good idea. I make my own using QD fittings and SS rod. My current setup is with an OB, but my last one used the I/O outdrive. With the extra "rudder" the control is fine.

View attachment 408680

 

[airshot]

Balance is probably the main reason, most helps are on the edge side so putting the kicker on the port helps keep things in balance, at least on my boat. Lots of folks create steering devices so they don't have to lean over the stern to steer. I have found that if my main engine has just the snag in the water, it will steer just fine when my little kicker is locked in straight forward. In fact, I had an electrical issue in my big motor and had to use my kicker to get back to the launch ramp. Stayed at the helm and just used the main motor to steer and played with what steered best at what angle. It was well over a 5 mile ride back to the launch, thru some narrow channels where steering was critical. Had no issue maneuvering all the way to the launch with just the skag of the main motor in the water to reduce the drag and keep my speed up..

 

[beckoning]

UPDATE: After working with a 9.9 Merc 4-stroke kicker for 12 years and thinking that is the only way to go, on this "new" boat with a Yammy 150 4-stroke, (and I cannot believe I'm saying this)...the kicker doesn't touch the water. The Yammy starts trolling at 1.6mph and I've been able to fine tune the throttle to troll at speeds from 1.8 - 2.6, increments of 1mph.....and the result is less noise, batteries are being charged, and course remains much straighter (kicker was on port side pushing to s'bd). Kicker is now just there for emergency when 2 miles out in Lake Michigan. Why didn't you guys tell me about this???

 

[Mc Tool]

Balance is probably the main reason, most helps are on the edge side so putting the kicker on the port helps keep things in balance, at least on my boat. Lots of folks create steering devices so they don't have to lean over the stern to steer. I have found that if my main engine has just the snag in the water, it will steer just fine when my little kicker is locked in straight forward. In fact, I had an electrical issue in my big motor and had to use my kicker to get back to the launch ramp. Stayed at the helm and just used the main motor to steer and played with what steered best at what angle. It was well over a 5 mile ride back to the launch, thru some narrow channels where steering was critical. Had no issue maneuvering all the way to the launch with just the skag of the main motor in the water to reduce the drag and keep my speed up..

Same deal here except I offset the kicker steering and lock it where it pushes the boat straight ahead and , like you , use the main motor as a rudder .

 

[cyclops222]

I made my motors connecting rod a quick disconnect. By using standard sized male and female airline connectors.

 

[airshot]

Same deal here except I offset the kicker steering and lock it where it pushes the boat straight ahead and , like you , use the main motor as a rudder .

On my setup, I tilt the main motor up to create less drag with the prop out and just the skag in the water, you won't turn on a dime but plenty of steering for trolling. If tighter steering is needed just lower the main motor.

 

[beckoning]

Many thanks to all the replies. Very helpful. Port side install for kicker turned out the best option.....depth sensor mounted on the port transom. Helm is on starboard, so port location seems to help the weight balance. Experimenting with using the 150hp to troll (it works OK, but 4 cylinders running uses more gas than necessary) and 9.9. I've settled on the 9.9; it causes a bit of steering challenge, but I'm used to that, and when trolling for salmon, a zig-zag pattern is preferred.

Topic #2: This replacement boat (18.5' G3) came with a Minnkota AutoPilot that I would love to be able to steer with while trolling, but I cannot figure it out, so it lays down mounted on the front. Another "winter project".

Thanks again. All very helpful.

 

[Mc Tool]

Another reason to mount kicker on the port side is that for some reason the transom mounted sonar transducer gets less interference from the prop while on the move if mounted on the starboard side ( as per the install instructions )