Can you add autopilot to a seastar kicker steering?
- Thread starter Rain City
- Start date
smokey0418
New Member
Yes that is possible , just like any pilot to the main.
Just from my own experience , I could not get a virtual rudder to work at bringing my kicker back to said zero position every single time so I had to add a rudder sensor to nail that issue.
Just from my own experience , I could not get a virtual rudder to work at bringing my kicker back to said zero position every single time so I had to add a rudder sensor to nail that issue.
ship happens
Crew Member
What are we working with? Hydraulic? Cable? Pics?
What is the boat? Main engine? Steering for the main?
What is the boat? Main engine? Steering for the main?
Not sure about yo
Not sure about the sea star system but if it uses a DC motor to move the kicker, it should not be a problem.
I have a Panther T4 steering system and I’ve installed a selector switch that allows me now to use it normally in Manual mode using the wireless remote control or when I switch to auto , the steering is taken by my Raymarine autopilot control. Usually set up to follow a course while trolling. I am still able to manually control the steering using the control buttons on the autopilot control head
Love the system , trolling alone is a piece of cake!
D
Rain City
Crew Member
No this is a hydraulic system. No electronic parts. Wasn't sure if I could add something or if I have to start fresh.
Rain City
Crew Member
30 commander with twin diesel IO. Kicker steering and throttle has its own helm at the back with a sea star hydraulic steering.
ship happens
Crew Member
You have stand alone manual hydraulic for main also? Such as seastar helm and seastar or wagner cylinder?
Rain City
Crew Member
Correct
smokey0418
New Member
I would also like to add , as I forgot .
This hydraulic cylinder must be a balanced ( pumps same amount each way) the application I was commenting on.
eg. front mount cylinder
This hydraulic cylinder must be a balanced ( pumps same amount each way) the application I was commenting on.
eg. front mount cylinder
ship happens
Crew Member
Rain City
Crew Member
There's no electric steering on anything.
ship happens
Crew Member
You have 2 helms and 2 cylinders. From what I understand.
Can join them. And add a valve. Consists of the hoses being re configured and adding a total of 2 hoses and a valve. We make our own control panels with Bosch relays. This way you can add whatever you want as far as control. Push button, wireless, auto pilot, anything. All working in conjunction with the system. Flawless
Can join them. And add a valve. Consists of the hoses being re configured and adding a total of 2 hoses and a valve. We make our own control panels with Bosch relays. This way you can add whatever you want as far as control. Push button, wireless, auto pilot, anything. All working in conjunction with the system. Flawless
ship happens
Crew Member
PM me if you need parts or assistance and I'll send you the shop location
ryanb
Well-Known Member
This should work for you if you're running lowrance or simrad electronics.
Not too hard to install and set up.
Not too hard to install and set up.
Rain City
Crew Member
Thank you! So this is a normal thing that is frequently done. Good to know! Lol
I had no idea this product existed.
ship happens
Crew Member
Not sure what the results will be like if that was only controlling the kicker. It might be working all the time. If the water was flat calm probably not an issue. however you might have better results if it were swinging both engines.
Anyone have an auto pilot directly controlling a kicker engine with completely stand alone kicker steering?
Anyone have an auto pilot directly controlling a kicker engine with completely stand alone kicker steering?
Rain City
Crew Member
Oh you were thinking of doing both? I can't imagine I'd be running the diesels while fishing at all. Maybe for tuna. This isn't something I'd be using all time or in windy conditions. Just a break for when I'm setting traps or fishing by myself.
ship happens
Crew Member
Just the steering. Small kickers do not turn big boats very well
I think I would join the 2 steering systems together with a valve. That way you have complete auto pilot system, and way better turning power when fishing with the auxiliary engine. Not that much more work, if your already adding a pump
I think I would join the 2 steering systems together with a valve. That way you have complete auto pilot system, and way better turning power when fishing with the auxiliary engine. Not that much more work, if your already adding a pump
Similar threads
