Yamaha T8 Kicker question

[MuleShack]

I have a Deep V with a 150 Yamy 4 stroke and a T8 Kicker with the power and the steering rigged up for the console for both motors.

I was doing a lot of trolling this fall, and find it difficult on windy days to hold the rod and work the wheel and still be comfortable and be able to fish all night. I would like to make the T8 into a tiller type, but still control the speed from the console, but be able to stand in the back of the boat and troll and work the motor from some sort of handle extension that would mount to the motor frame.

I was wondering if I take off the “Rod” link from the main motor connected to the T8…Do they make an after market steering mechanism that I can hook up to the motor to steer with, while standing up? I know there are some tiller extensions out there, but this motor is not a tiller. I checked Yamaha web site and they don’t offer anything like I’m looking for.

Can you offer any insight or suggestions that would work?

[Valv]

I believe Panther Marine Products makes an electric steering system for small outboards or kickers. It's controlled by a small switch on a harness, I guess you could hold the switch in your hand while fishing.

I think I have one somewhere in a shelf.

[PerchJerker]

Your best bet would be to talk to a boat dealer, I don't know if such an accessory exists for the T8 but I'm sure this question has come up a lot. Good luck.

[bobberal]

Best thing I could suggest is sell your T8 and get one with a tiller or get a tiller conversion kit. You can still hook it to the main motor with a steering bracket.

Then for speed control up front get yourself a trollmaster digital control you can operate from the driver area.

I think this is as close as you can get to having a tiller option and still keep the steering from the console when you need it.

[Sutty]

Ya what he said, and let me know when you sell it!