Auxiliary Motor Steering

What Is Auxiliary Motor Steering?

When you run a kicker or trolling motor alongside your main outboard, keeping both engines pointed in the same direction is critical for precise boat control. Auxiliary motor steering systems solve this challenge by mechanically or electronically linking a secondary motor to your primary engine or hydraulic steering — so when you turn the helm, both motors respond together. The result is predictable, effortless maneuvering whether you are slow-trolling for walleye, salmon fishing offshore, or simply using a kicker motor to conserve fuel on a long run.

Why Auxiliary Motor Steering Matters

Without a steering connection, an unsecured auxiliary motor can wander, toe in, or toe out unpredictably as boat speed and current change. This creates drag, reduces fuel efficiency, and can make low-speed boat handling frustrating and even dangerous. A quality auxiliary steering kit eliminates motor "kick-out," keeps your trolling spread tight and consistent, and dramatically reduces driver fatigue on long days on the water.

These systems range from simple mechanical tie bars and connecting rods to electro-mechanical units with handheld remote controls. Connecting your main motor to a trolling motor, an auxiliary motor steering kit is the ideal way to provide remote control steering for any type or size of outboard trolling motor up to 25 horsepower. More advanced setups can accommodate higher horsepower kicker motors and integrate directly with hydraulic steering systems.

What to Consider When Shopping

• Motor horsepower: Match the kit's rated HP capacity to your auxiliary motor. Lighter tie-bar kits suit smaller trolling motors, while heavy-duty brackets are needed for larger kicker engines.
• Steering system compatibility: Some kits connect two outboards mechanically via a rod, while others interface with hydraulic steering. The Panther Trolling Motor Tie Bar Kit, for example, connects an auxiliary trolling motor to SeaStar Solutions or Uflex hydraulic steering.
• Material and corrosion resistance: Saltwater boaters should prioritize stainless steel hardware over zinc-plated steel. A corrosion-resistant stainless steel frame and saltwater-proof gear rack offers the utmost in durability and dependability in harsh marine environments.
• Installation requirements: Look for kits that mount without drilling into your transom and offer adjustability for different engine spacing. Many units can be installed on any kicker motor that has a threaded tilt tube, with no need to drill holes in your transom, and install in minutes.
• Control method: Mechanical tie bars are simple and reliable; electro-steer units add remote-control convenience for hands-free adjustments while trolling.

Top Brands in Auxiliary Motor Steering

EZ-Steer® is the category leader, offering a broad lineup of auxiliary motor steering systems trusted by serious anglers and recreational boaters alike. Their well-engineered kits are known for straightforward installation and solid, reliable performance across a wide range of boat and motor configurations.

PantherPro brings decades of marine accessory expertise to auxiliary steering. Brackets and steering components use anodized aluminum, stainless steel hardware, and weatherproof polypropylene — materials chosen specifically for harsh marine environments — and many designs meet American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) standards. From tie bar kits and electro-steer units to wireless remote controls, PantherPro offers a full ecosystem for auxiliary motor management.

Panther Drive Belts rounds out the mechanical side of auxiliary steering with drive bracket hardware and connectivity components designed to work alongside existing steering setups, making them a practical choice for boaters looking to expand or repair an existing system.

Seastar Solutions is a globally recognized name in marine hydraulic steering, and their auxiliary steering components are engineered to integrate seamlessly with their own industry-standard hydraulic systems — a natural choice for boaters who already run SeaStar helm and cylinder setups.