Steering in the back of the boat

[tubejig]

I am sure that those of you who troll by yourselves and have fairly small outboards may appreciate this. I have a 40 hp Evinrude that I use for salmon and mostly for for trolling walleye. I have had on too many occasions, had to run to the back of the boat to grab a rod and the dam boat loses control and I have to run to the steering wheel to get the dam thing under control. Between attempting to net a fish at the rear, fight a fish, and steer from behind the dam wheel I got too pissed off at all of the effort. So I designed the following. My motor has two places to set the steering rod so I used the back one. There are two threaded holes one that is not being used. I took some 1.5 inch steel and made a cavern that the steering bar (not sure of the scientific name) would slip into. I drilled a hole in the steel so a bolt would screw into the pre-threaded extra hole the motor came with to hold it in place. I heated and bent the straight stock so it would come up and over the engine compartment for easy handling. I had the chance to try it last week and it works wonders. In-fact I was able to steer the boat with my knee while I was fighting a fish. The only thing left for me to do is cover the handle with some foam so it covers teh sharp edges. Here are the pics.

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/533/2838IM000226.jpg


http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/533/2838IM000224.jpg


http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/533/2838IM000225.jpg

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/533/2838IM000223.jpg

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/533/2838IM000222.jpg


Just thought I would share an idea that may help someone.

tubejig

[TONGA]

nice job TubeJig,,I think you should dip the end of it in tool dip,,you know the plastic dip for hand tools

[tubejig]

Any recommended brands and where to get the stuff.


tubejig

[Hotwired]

Ken,
I believe the brand is "Dip-it" and I used to see it at ACO.
I cost $$$
I would use Self-Fusing Rubber Tape by Sealwrap.
Check local harware /plumbing store,
Hotwired

[The Whale]

Good idea on using the "dip" stuff. Great for handles on tools and such. Another method that will add a bit of "cushiness" to the metal handle is to pick up a roll of handle bar wrap from a bicycle shop, about $2. Good luck.


Whale :) :cool: