Anybody use EZ-Steer?

[backlash442]

If you do how do you like it? Attached to o/b or i/o? Do you raise the kicker when running the main motor? I hear great things about TR-1 but can't see spending a couple k for remote steering.

[tomictime]

I have both...the EZ Steer is a great backup for when the TR-1 does not want to work...and when people try to steal the kicker...they cut all wires on transom and that plays havoc with system...diff story...

Anyway, EZ steer XL dual detent rod from main O/B to T-8 kicker. to get clear I had to reverse one of the connectors, I do tilt kicker to run. Keep the rod and attach fittings well lubed. [potty mouth] in armor is the pretty flimsy sheet metal they weld fittings to - those fail at about 2 years of use for me...factory says rod pressure set to hi - but they set it that way initially AND any lighter and the heavy 4 stroke kicker collapses the rod...

IF you are close to factory in Everett WA, cash talks there.

Good luck

Jim

[KChookem]

In the past, I've used the EZ Steer on several boats, and mine always worked well. I could raise either, or both, the main and kicker without disconnecting. I never had a problem with corrosion, and I'm in the salt alot. The horizontal bar connecting the two motors is easy to remove for times you do not want to use the device.

For me, the significant drawback was that, on my current boat, I do not have a throttle or gearshift at the helm for the kicker. So, everytime I needed to shift or adjust the throttle, someone had to do it at the kicker. This was burdensome for our style of fishing, which often changes directions or speed.

On the other hand, if I were trolling in the same direction for "long" periods, or in a large lake, it was usually not a problem. For example, in the ocean, an EZ Steer can be much more comfortable than sitting on the stern operating a little motor.

[Gundog]

backlash442,
There are two types of EZ-Steer, on my last boat I had a bracket on both motors that attached with some hose clamp type straps. The arm had quick disconnects on it they were air chucks. The arm goes on the back of the motors. I had to raise the main motor up almost all of the way to put the arm on from inside the boat. It was not easy in rough conditions. I could not steer my main motor far enough with the rod connected so I would have to travel out with the main motor and then attach the steering rod to use it.

The other type connect on the front of the motors and can stay on at all times. It connects right where the steering linkage hooks up. This system also has quick disconnects. I am going to have this system on my new boat. The old system was better than nothing I had forward controls on my kicker and I could operate from the captains chair. I had the original setup on a Trophy my first kicker motor I used it on was tiller control and it was a pain trying to set the speed right from the back of the boat and then run to the front to steer. I could not see very well driving from the back of the boat. That kicker motor was stolen and I replaced it with the forward control model. I do have an extra steering rod the old type and a bracket that fits an I/O if anyone needs it I will let it go cheap all that it needs is the bracket for the kicker.
Mike

[backlash442]

Gundog, did your old I/O have power steering? Mine is powering steering so not sure how this system will work with the kicker when the main engine is off.

[Gundog]

I have the bracket for the I/O it came with the used kicker motor I had bought when replacing the one that was stolen that is why I have the extra parts. I never had an I/O so I can't answer that. I would have the complete set up but when the kicker was stolen the bracket was on it. It was stolen out of my driveway 15' from my bedroom window. I had the clamps locked together on the motor so they took the whole kicker motor bracket off the boat. I hope it blows up on them while they need it most.
Mike

[trap50]

I raise my kicker when I'm running any distance. I had a hard time reaching the back of the motors to disconnect it so I modified mine with a home made bracket on the front of the motors. Now I just hook them up in front. real easy and stronger than the hose clamp thing. The tension set screw on mine broke some years back. I set the rod where I needed it between the motors and drilled and put a stainless bolt through it. Never have had any problems.