There are un-heralded geniuses in the boating world.

[Kismet]

OK, maybe not geniuses, but darned clever folks.

I've been bouncing my trolling motor from tin boat to canoes the last few weeks. I HATE the contortions with the motor is on the canoe(s). Too high, and with my left shoulder having had surgery and subsequent limitations of movement, using the troller was painful and ridiculous. I've read about cutting the shaft to resolve the height problem, but not ready to try that.

Tried searching for some universal joint type handle...found one on Amazon, but...er..@$50. Kept looking and found this in duckboats forum. Guy took some hose, moved the head off the shaft, and put an pole on the hose, the hose on the tiller control, and moved himself amidships. REALLY clever. (about 1/4 of the way down the page.) https://www.duckworksmagazine.com/10/reports/august/index.htm

I just came in from screwing around with an old (very old) trolling motor, some power-steering hose from a car, and a radiator clamp. I don't need to be in the middle of the boat, but the canoe which will survive with me this year is a Y-stern (double-ended but with transom up over the keel) 12.9 ft. I just want some stiff-walled hose, clamped to the tiller handle, which will (actually DOES) advance the speed settings. Next is going to a store and finding something which is a bit more rigid, but still flexible. I want to be able to make course corrections without putting a rod or pole on the tiller.

Think it is do-able. Not sure, but think so.

I'm sure I'm not alone in being unhappy with the tiller trolling motor, but not willing to get some remote control electronics.

Wish me luck, please.

 

[muffin]

best of luck! since i dont know anything about that i cant offer anything else

 

[richg99]

Just a thought...you can make the TM steerable by foot or hand, in front of you. Consider rigging up some cord; pulleys; and maybe foot pedals.

As far as the speed, you will still have to set that by twisting the handle...however, adding a Big Foot stop/start switch will allow you to control when the TM is on or off. Very little cost and some improvement from your present condition.

Many millions of original outboard powered speed boats were direction-ally controlled using cord/cable and pulleys long ago. Rich

p.s. Here is a LINK to a trolling motor steering system. It is similar to what I put on my kayak rudder system. RG

https://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&sa=X&pwst=1&biw=1210&bih=594&tbm=isch&prmd=imvns&tbnid=sF5ljdesIXoiBM:&imgrefurl=https://micronautical.com/diy-motorized-kayaks/electric-trolling-motor-and-cable-steering-system-for-fishing-kayak-by-john-zoltner-new-york/&docid=sI_4aTjb6--a0M&imgurl=https://wavewalk.com/FishingKayak/Fishing_kayak_trolling_motor_rear_view_JZ.jpg&w=450&h=338&ei=ESMfUJ-xGoqa8gS5uYBo&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=601&vpy=211&dur=265&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=92&ty=116&sig=111496336645490980765&page=1&tbnh=125&tbnw=166&start=0&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:15,s:0,i:123

Here is a LINK to the big foot switch https://www.basspro.com/Big-Foot-Trolling-Motor-Foot-Switch/product/16071/93066

 

[fender66]

Just a thought...you can make the TM steerable by foot or hand, in front of you. Consider rigging up some cord; pulleys; and maybe foot pedals.

Ha....I was thinking the same thing. I'm sure it will be a lot of work, but would be cool to see.

 

[richg99]

Not really a lot of work. If you look at the TM in the picture that I sent...it is almost exactly what I put on my kayak's rudder.

I terminated the two lines ( one red; one green) on each side...with little cord "stoppers" that looked like a Z cleat.

To be certain that the TM normally points forward, when I am not trying to steer it... I added bungee cords on either side of the PVC Tee.

Then, when I pull on either line, the TM turns that way. It returns to forward (bungee pressure) without any effort on my part.

Pretty darn simple. Rich

 

[Kismet]

Not really a lot of work. If you look at the TM in the picture that I sent...it is almost exactly what I put on my kayak's rudder.

I terminated the two lines ( one red; one green) on each side...with little cord "stoppers" that looked like a Z cleat.

To be certain that the TM normally points forward, when I am not trying to steer it... I added bungee cords on either side of the PVC Tee.

Then, when I pull on either line, the TM turns that way. It returns to forward (bungee pressure) without any effort on my part.

Pretty darn simple. Rich

Like I said, "genius."

First trial worked...er...ok. Development work to be done. Have to check with the R&D department for feasibility study.


Thanks. All simple modification suggestions very welcome.

 

[richg99]

No genius here. I just copy ideas that I've seen or read about before.

I owned a fair number of sailboats over my 72years, so rudders and lines are kind of normal stuff. Rich