Need advice! Tiller Kicker location on a 1800 Pro-V

[Mykal]

Well I'm about to take the plunge on a 1800 Pro-V with a Yami 150 4-stroke and a T-8. I want a tiller for better boat control as this is a wheel boat with dual consoles. Question I have is which side are you guys mounting the kicker motor (any brand). I want it opposite the driver side, because of the transducers, but find it awkward to sit on the livewell. Can I move a seat base? or do I just sit on the livewell? Also any advice on mounting electronics back there or will I be able to see an X110 at the console?

[croixeyes]

Have a couple of friends with rngr 620s.They have their kickers mounted on the drivers side.These are tiller kickers and they have an xtended throttle handle.They have pretty good range on turning.Also i dont think youll have a problem seeing a 110 even if its on the bow..

[SXViper]

Mykal,

If you are going with the T-8 I would suggest putting it on the starboard side (behind the wheel) as the tiller handle comes out of the port side of the motor. If you put the motor on the port side you will have very limited turning to the port side as the handle will hit the inside coaming. As for the transducers they can be mounted on either side of the boat, they dont have to be on the starboard side. Just run the wires over with the motor cables and around the motor.

Brian

[Mykal]

Thank you guys. Good point on the tiller handle. SXViper, will the boat "list" to the starbord side if I am solo and have the kicker on the same side or is this boat stable enough to handle the load?

My point on the electronics is I use GPS alot and want the map close enough to see at night or in rough conditions.

[Rost]

Sitting on the livewell of a ProV may be uncomfortable because it sits so low. If you buy an extention handle you'll find yourself most comfortable standing or just sitting on the gunwale.

What side is your battery on? If you have your battery, kicker, and yourself on the same side, you may see a little tilt. Probably not much though for a boat with a 92" beam.

I have a tiller boat, so I like my kicker right behind me. I have two buddies with wheel boats. One likes his behind him, the other likes it on the opposite side.

It's personal preference I think. Before they mount the kicker, jump up and stand there. See what's best for you. I bet your dealer will be able to offer some advice too.

[PerchJerker]

I've always had my kickers be tiller controlled and mounted on the port side of the boat. Just seems more natural to me on that side of the boat, left hand on kicker, right hand on rod (if vertical jigging or backtrolling). I use extension handles and have never had a problem with the handle interferring with the gunnel or the side of the boat.

One thing to consider if you mount a tiller kicker on the starboard side is that the handle and your big motor could interfer with each other - something to be aware of and watch for as you rig the boat.

If your elecronics are on your console it might be easier to see them with a starboard mounted motor, especially if there are 2 other guys in the boat. If there's only 1 other guy it shouldn't make a difference though.

Rost makes a good point about some list from having the driver, kicker, battery, and oil resv all on the same side of the boat.

[Down Deep]

I've got an 1800 with a 150 VMax and had a Yam 9.9 High Thrust for the first 3 years. I had it mounted on the left side of the motor. There is plenty of room on the stern to move the kicker far enough to the left to avoid any problem with the tiller and big motor. I purchased a extension handle and use the rear livewell seat. I found that having the motor on the left provided better control because I'm right handed and fish out of the left side of the boat.

A couple of years ago I dumped the gas engine for MinnKota Backtroller 74 and find the electric to be a better choice for maneuverabilty. The electric has all the power I need and has never run the batteries down in a long day. I fish in all weather conditions and usually on big water like Rainy or LOW. I do lots of back-trolling and holding on bouys. I have yet to find a situation the electric could not handle. I just purchased a Vector 80lb for the 2006 season.

Don't forget the wave wackers.

[Northlander]

Down Deep can you send me picks of your rig? Im just looking for some ideas. Anyone ever have trouble with the tiller handle on your kicker getting in the way? I know of a guy who got dumped over when his partner hit the tiller handle and tossed him out of the boat. I cant decide if I want a tiller or counsel steer tiller maybe with a remote steer.

[marine_man]

This topic was discussed a couple of weeks ago on this thread:

Kicker Motor - which side?

marine_man

[Mykal]

Thanks everyone for the wonderful insight. Does anyome run a graph/gps at the trolling station if I mounted it portside or is this a wiring nightmare? I plan on trolling cranks forward 90% of the time. Would I need wave wackers on a 25" transom if backtrolling?

[Northlander]

Wave wackers or the equivalent to them are a must in my book if backtrolling. I find when trolling cranks I can read my X-15 on the dash just fine from the back of my 1700 Explorer. If you have a 20' boat it may not be a bad idea. Its more convenience to me but it would be cool to have a GPS right at your fingers to mark spots or plot trails.

As far as wiring it shouldnt be bad depending on your boat layout of course.

[Down Deep]

Northlander

I send the photo ASAP.

Down Deep