Adding stick steer and remote throttle to 97 Alumacraft Crappie Deluxe

[KenK98]

Hello everyone, this is my first post so please let me know if I break any rules.

I have a 1997 Alumacraft Crappie Deluxe with Tiller steering. I want to convert to stick steer and remote throttle.

I know I need to purchase the correct throttle head from the motor manufacturer and was planning on using an Ezy Glide stick steer unit (unless there is a better alternative).  My question is basically has anyone ever converted a late 90's Crappie Deluxe to stick steer?  I will have to make some type of metal mount on the side of the boat to mount the stick to. Has anyone done that or have any ideas?  I know I could go to Home Depot and buy a bunch or metal plates and just start putting them together and mounting them to the boat until I get what I want but I'm trying to avoid wasting a lot of time, money and energy. The boat has rod holders on each side and the trolling motor cables will most likely be in the way if trying to mount to the front seat location so I think I will have to mount everything next to the rear seat.  Is this a problem?  I do not have a welder or plasma cutter so please keep that in mind when supplying help and tips.

Anyone with experience on this particular boat with any input, please chime in.

Thank you,

Ken

[Russ E]

I have driven a stick steer tracker. It is a bit tricky. I would not call it a safe setup. Personally if I were trying to convert a tiller motor, it would be to a console with a steering wheel. If not a steering wheel, I would stick to tiller.

[KenK98]

19 minutes ago, Russ E said:

I have driven a stick steer tracker. It is a bit tricky. I would not call it a safe setup. Personally if I were trying to convert a tiller motor, it would be to a console with a steering wheel. If not a steering wheel, I would stick to tiller.

Thank you for your reply. The reason I am trying to do this is because my brother and I like to fish out of this boat, but neither one of us like sitting sideways and steering the boat.  We have had bigger boats and bass boats and this is a little different for both of us.  I am 64 and my brother is 60, and it's a little painful sitting sideways, steering the boat from the left side and looking down the lake with our head looking right. I constantly change from steering with my right hand to my left hand.  I would love to have a console but this boat just is not big enough for that type of setup, unless someone can tell me how to do without taking up much room.

I appreciate you comment and he and I have just about decided to live with it the way it is until I can purchase something different.

Ken

[BKeith]

I've considered it several times but have changed my mind each time.  As mentioned, they can actually be dangerous.  I've know two people that have lost control of their boats with stick steering.  I think if I added it, I would want a very stable hand hold on the opposite side to hold on to.  Without that, and you get bounced around by a sudden wake or something and that stick is the only thing you have to hold on to, you have a good chance of making a sudden direction change when you don't really want to.

[GaryH]

Can’t help but welcome to bass resource...

[AmSO4]

I have a stick steer up front on my electric only boat.  This year I an converting over to a Panther Electronic remote steering system.  I want to be able to move my weight around in the boat for better balance.

 

I know a guy who uses one and he loves it.  Check them out.  https://panthermarineproducts.com/electro-steer-and-steering/

[KenK98]

20 hours ago, GaryH said:

Can’t help but welcome to bass resource...

Thank you, I will try to abide by all the rules....  But, let me know if I don't.  LOL...

21 hours ago, BKeith said:

I've considered it several times but have changed my mind each time.  As mentioned, they can actually be dangerous.  I've know two people that have lost control of their boats with stick steering.  I think if I added it, I would want a very stable hand hold on the opposite side to hold on to.  Without that, and you get bounced around by a sudden wake or something and that stick is the only thing you have to hold on to, you have a good chance of making a sudden direction change when you don't really want to.

Thank you for your reply, I have heard people say that before.  I would love to just install a console with steering wheel, but just don't have the room in this boat.  Am considering just leaving it as is and upgrade later.  I fish on several lakes, 2 of which have a less than 10 HP restriction.  This boats moves very well with the 9.9. This is my first small boat, I am used to I/O's and bass boats.  Just a different feel and still getting used to push-pull for steering.

 

19 hours ago, AmSO4 said:

I have a stick steer up front on my electric only boat.  This year I an converting over to a Panther Electronic remote steering system.  I want to be able to move my weight around in the boat for better balance.

 

I know a guy who uses one and he loves it.  Check them out.  https://panthermarineproducts.com/electro-steer-and-steering/

I have looked at these, but haven't heard of anyone installing on an outboard motor.  Will this work on a 9.9 gas motor?

Thanks for your reply,

[heavyduty]

Bunch of river jet jons running stick steer and throttle but from the front seat for better view of the river. These are usually 25HP and up. If you're running a 9.9 from the back seat, as long as weight distribution in the boat is good, you should be fine. Bit of a learning curve so don't gag it on the first trip! ?

[BKeith]

I can easily see why you wouldn't want a console in a small jon.  I would not want one either and just turning a steering wheel side ways and mounting it doesn't appeal to me either.  

My situation is all three of my small motors, 4hp 9.9hp and 25hp are all manual start so I would still have to get up and go back to start the motor every time.  My 25 came off a boat with remote control and steering that I took off and put the tiller back on.  So, it would be easy enough to put that back on and use stick steering, other than still having to climb back there to crank it.   However, depending on where I going, I change motors and adding the stick would complicate that.  That 25 is too much motor on a 1436 jon in some of the rivers and areas I fish.  I use the 4hp in some because it has a very shallow draft, way less than that 9.9 and 25.

[AmSO4]

I use a Elco 20 which is a large electric outboard for electric only reservoirs.  Top speed is about 10 mph.  High speed safety is not an issue with a stick steer in this application.  

My boat has all my graphs, 3 x Solix 15,  mounted up front since I do not have a console.  I am putting a remote electric steer to eliminate the stick steering box and also let me move back when making long runs for maximum efficiency.  Battery powered boats are all about weight and efficiency.