sounds like a nice system...
who did your install?
i,m going to be installing a new comnav pilot and getting all the haywire/mickeymouse cleaned up next week.
i would love to get someone to set up system like yours for me.
The system came set up when I bought the boat which is a former guide boat. I know who installed it but I doubt they would be available to you but most marine shops or boat yards can do it for you if are not the ‘do it yourself’ type. If the boat is poded hopefully the pod is designed so that it is optimized for remote kicker positioning and to facilitate the cross tie to the main.
The hydraulics are Sea Star and there are a number of threads with info on setting up multi-helm systems but if you are installing a plumed in auto pilot it sounds like you know what you are doing.
The cross tie components are available from places like Trotac and consists of a solid stainless threaded steel rod (can be cut to any length) and special stainless connectors that screw on to the ends. One end will be spring loaded/or incorporate a locking mechanism for quick removal. Fine adjustments in motor alignment can be made by screwing the fittings in or out and then tightening the lock nuts.
Most manufactures/dealers will sell a bracket for the kicker and you can make or have one made to bolt on to the main Outboard.
When I bought the new kicker I had the dealer hook up the throttle and transmission cable to the remote control unit as I understand that can be a bit tricky if you are not experienced with it, but hooking up the motor end is easier.
My remote control unit for the kicker is mounted on the cabin side wall just back of the main helm seat as it can be reached easily from both the main helm seat and also from the fishing deck. The cabin is open at the back. I always run the kicker at the dock for a couple of minutes which makes it very easy to start when I come down off plane and to make sure it is working in case the main fails on the way out.
I am considering adding one of the remote servo type electronic throttle systems for the kicker, although they are pricey, assuming they are compatible with kickers already using a standard remote control system. I think they are.
One of my buddies has one on his boat for his non remote kicker. What I like about it is the ability to make extremely fine adjustments to the kicker rpm which is useful in adjusting to the correct trolling speed quickly and sometimes quick fine tuning the spin rate on an anchovie that is being difficult in the current. It can be a pain sometimes doing fine speed adjustments on the standard remote throttle using the tap method – tap – that's to fast, tape the other way – that's to slow etc. I also like that they have some programming functions, especially the resume speed function, - after dropping the speed way down to say play a fish or give another boat some separation before turning behind them when fishing in a tight pack, you can then get back to the exact same dialed in speed instantly.