Yamaha helm master ex - kicker tie bar options

[OnlyFins]

I am looking for kicker steering options compatible with Yamaha Helm Master EX level 4.

I am running twin 300s with a 25 high thrust kicker.

Should I be concerned about added load to the Yamaha electric over hydraulic steering with the kicker connected via tie bar especially when the kicker is trimmed up?

Any examples of what guys are doing would be helpful!

Thanks

 

[Buckethead905]

Correct me if I’m wrong but the electric steering option requires the main engine to be running in order for it to operate due to the electrical demand. If this is the case you’ll have to be running your main engine at the same time as your kicker for that system to work.

 

[OnlyFins]

Main engines do not need to be running for steering. But I do think they may need to be running to engage the autopilot function. I will update after first sea trial.

I have found a Seastar bracket that is made for the Yamaha bolt on DEC steering rams (HA 6842). Once I have it fitted with the appropriate tie bar I will post a picture and all parts for reference.

I will also measure amp draw on one steering cylinder and post results. The T25 only provides 16amps charging.

 

[mitch184]

There no good option for the 425/450 motors. They tried to network the Garmin Reactor 40 to the main motors and no one has been able to get them to talk together. The only option is to custom make an old school tie bar off the A/V plates and connect the A/V plate of the main motor to the A/V plate of the kicker motor. Then monkey around with the connections, linkages and lengths so the steering doesn't bind up. It's funny seeing a brand new $800k boat with a $20 hardware store tie bar setup flapping in the breeze and bending all over.

 

[OnlyFins]

So I got everything installed and tested. I used Seastar/domestic tie bar adaptor (HA6842).Note my kicker is installed on the port side. Starboard side mounting would require a different bracket. I measured amp draw on the main port at rest with the kicker in trimmed up and trimmed down position. Turned "lock to lock" at a consistent rate of turn. The amp draw was 3.9A peak. This was the same in all positions. The starboard main engine amp draw was 3.8A. The added load of the kicker appears to be very minimal. Obviously amp draw at speed with banking turns would be considerably higher but expect it should scale appropriately. Here is a picture of the set up for reference. Also as mentioned above steering in main station and second station work without the mains running. Helm master auto pilot does not function unless both mains are running....Annoying for sure...

 

[OnlyFins]

There no good option for the 425/450 motors. They tried to network the Garmin Reactor 40 to the main motors and no one has been able to get them to talk together. The only option is to custom make an old school tie bar off the A/V plates and connect the A/V plate of the main motor to the A/V plate of the kicker motor. Then monkey around with the connections, linkages and lengths so the steering doesn't bind up. It's funny seeing a brand new $800k boat with a $20 hardware store tie bar setup flapping in the breeze and bending all over.

I am running a Furuno set up and have used a Yamaha gateway via NEMA 2000. This has allowed me to display and edit Yamaha display on my tzt19 MFD. I am also able to create a route on my MFD and use the Yamaha auto-pilot track point function to follow said route. But yes still no kicker trolling via auto-pilot.... Do better Yamaha PNW customers matter to!!!