Outboard Question. Tillerless engine

[GeorgiaBII]

I've got a chance to buy an electric start tiller-less Eveinrude 9.9 for a good price.

I'm tempted to buy it if I can lock it in a straight position and use just the boats rudder to control direction. Mounting a throttle and switch shouldn't be an issue so my only concern is how well directional control will be using only the rudder and not thrust.

Thoughts? Is this a workable idea or just stupid?

 

[Sail123]

Many factors come into play here. Size of boat. Freeboard size. In general, I think using rudder only may be ideal as long as the boat is in motion. A slow or stopped boat will gain advantage with a tiller on the engine. I rarely use my engine tiller, mostly my boats rudder

 

[Sunbird22358]

Depending on the year, a replacement tiller should be available, check eBay or such, people are always parting out different outboards (tiller would be same for 1974-85 9.9 and 15. ditto for 1986-92, and same for 1993- 2005 (2-stroke). (Tiller for 74-85 model "might" fit 86-92 and vice-versa.....but throttle setup was different)
Remote controls were available for all model years of the Evinrude 9.9/15 but will vary by year as to what is needed, aftermarket controls are also available.

Mauevering using just the rudder with the outboard's steering locked is fine, however, due to the outboard being offset to one side you will have to compensate with the rudder. I have found that it helps to be able to slightly turn the outboard to maintain a straight course, but the amount of adjustment varies depending on throttle setting. I have found that outboards, even with steering friction tightened, will often turn slightly due to torque effects, easy to correct with a tiller.
I'd want a tiller on the outboard even if I rarely used it for steering.
I have a feeling that you may find that replacing the tiller on the outboard may be less $$ than installing remote controls (of course.....those controls would add a bit of "Big Boat" fun to your 23!).

 

[Swee Pea 1976]

Has anyone linked the outboard to the sailboat rudder? Like a trolling motor link

 

[GeorgiaBII]

I'm working on a way to link them

 

[Siamese]

I have a tillerless engine on my Catalina 31. It's a Yanmar.

Ditto for any boat with an inboard engine. It's nice to be able to use the tiller on an outboard, but not essential. You have a couple of advantages over larger boats with inboards and no tiller. First, your boat's smaller, so it's easier to get it into a slip. Second, your boat's a lot lighter (mine's over 5 tons), so if you screw up a little trying to maneuver into a tight space, you can manhandle your vessel and fend off a lot easier.

No reason I can see why you shouldn't get the engine if it's at a good price.

 

[GeorgiaBII]

I may run up a handle to put on it for emergency use. Just in case it's needed.

I bought the engine friday. Runs great! now to get it mounted to the boat and running.

 

[DJN51]

Check search forums EZ Steer this site.Connects motor to rudder.

 

[Sunbird22358]

Siamese, how do like the Diesel outboard? I've seen them listed but they seem rare. There was a catamaran in our harbor with one several years ago, seemed like a good compromise. You get the advantages of the extra OOMPH of a Diesel with the convienience of an outboard when it comes to maintainence, plus you gain all the stowage room where the inboard would normally be. Also, can tilt the outboard up to reduce drag, Disadvantage.....weight out on the end of the boat, instead of down low and closer to amidships.

 

[Siamese]

Sunbird....noooo, it's an inboard, Yanmar. 'Just making a point to the OP that any boat with an inboard is under the same constraints as an outboard with no tiller.

 

[GeorgiaBII]

Scored a used throttle/shift controller today off Craigslist for $50. This project is coming right along!

Siamese I see your point about the similarities of inboards and fixed outboards. Excellent point and puts my mind to ease a bit.

 

[Sunbird22358]

Well, it was a simple mistake...... YANMAR does/did make a 27hp outboard for a while. I actually first thought that you meant YAMAHA, instead of YANMAR.