See full version: Kicker motors
Yes, you are correct, you feed the kicker off the main tank but you must install a tee valve in the kicker line. This is to ensure the main engine does not pull fuel (and air) from the kicker fuel line. So, you just need to remember to open the tee valve before you run the kicker and close it after you turn it off. Easy.
As to steering, yes, you can steer the boat with the main engine used as a rudder. It works pretty good but not so much if it's really windy. I ended up using one of those bars you attach to your main engine and it worked pretty good. I'd recommend it for sure. See photo below).
Love this high thrust bracket I added on my 228 here
Lastly, I used a heavy duty fixed mount for the kicker (not a Garelick or similar unit). I would recommend a fixed mount since it is stronger than anything that "moves". I hope this helps and good luck with your own set-up.
Years ago, I had a Yamaha long shaft T8 Kicker for my 228 and it was a perfect engine for that in my opinion. You need thrust and the T8 delivers it. More HP is simply more weight back there. My T8 had electric start and electric trim which was nice. I had it mounted on the starboard stern to offset the battery weight (port side).
Yes, you are correct, you feed the kicker off the main tank but you must install a tee valve in the kicker line. This is to ensure the main engine does not pull fuel (and air) from the kicker fuel line. So, you just need to remember to open the tee valve before you run the kicker and close it after you turn it off. Easy.
The SeaStar Kicker Cable Tie Bar has been engineered for easy and secure installation on outboard powered vessels with popular SeaStar hydraulic steering. By using a universal ABYC steering connection on the kicker motor, SeaStar Solutions® has made it simpler than ever for builders, dealers and boaters to rig, operate and steer both motors simultaneously.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
• Will NOT work with a BayStar Steering System
• Will ONLY work with SeaStar HC5345, HC5358 and HC5348 steering cylinders
• Do NOT use on Honda 200-250HP engines, cable damage will occur [links]
HO61XX kit includes :
1 Steering Cable Assembly (TFXtreme 40 series cable and a custom drilled out support rod)
1 Pivot Cylinder Drive Link-arm (connects the drive bracket to one side of the cable assembly)
1 Pivot Cylinder Drive Plate (allows for the link-arm to mount to the pivot cylinder pivot plate)
2 Support Brackets (keyed version for use with this product)
Fasteners [links]
INTRODUCTION
This new SeaStar product allows a user to manually steer an auxiliary engine (kicker motor) using their existing SeaStar hydraulic steering system. Today this is accomplished with a variety of solid mechanical linkages between the main engine and the auxiliary engine. SeaStar Solutions® has developed a patent pending design that incorporates a Xtreme cable as the linkage between the two engines.
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If you are on a personal connection, like at home, you can run an anti-virus scan on your device to make sure it is not infected with malware.
Another way to prevent getting this page in the future is to use Privacy Pass. You may need to download version 2.0 now from the Chrome Web Store. [links]
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