Auxiliary Motor Steering

What Is Auxiliary Motor Steering?

For anglers and boaters who run a secondary outboard — often called a kicker motor — alongside their primary engine, auxiliary motor steering is the system that keeps both engines working in harmony. An auxiliary motor steering kit provides remote control steering for any type or size of outboard trolling motor up to 25 horsepower. Rather than manually turning the kicker from the stern, these systems link your auxiliary engine to the main engine or helm, letting you control both from a single point — typically your steering wheel or console.

Why Auxiliary Motor Steering Matters

Running a kicker motor without a steering linkage means constantly leaving your seat to adjust engine direction — a real problem when you're trolling a precise pattern, navigating tight waters, or managing fishing lines. With a proper auxiliary steering system, boaters can steer the auxiliary engine directly from the main wheel with clear, unobstructed forward visibility — improving safety and control, and allowing you to operate with ease.

Whether you run a primary outboard or a smaller kicker motor, consistent steering reduces fatigue, improves docking control, and supports safe maneuvering in current or wind. For serious anglers doing hours of slow trolling, this difference in comfort and control is significant.

How These Systems Work

Most auxiliary motor steering kits operate through a mechanical tie-rod or connecting bar that physically links the transom bracket of your kicker motor to the main engine or to the helm's steering output. A self-adjusting rod steers the auxiliary outboard motor from the main wheel, self-adjusting by using the built-in turn stops on the engines. More advanced systems use electric or hydraulic connections to integrate the kicker with an existing SeaStar or Uflex hydraulic steering system.

When shopping for auxiliary motor steering, key considerations include:

• Horsepower rating: Most mechanical kits are rated for auxiliary engines up to 25HP, while heavy-duty tie-bar kits can handle up to 40HP.
• Material: Freshwater models are typically constructed of zinc-plated steel, while saltwater models use stainless steel.
• Steering type compatibility: Some kits are designed for cable steering setups, while others adapt to hydraulic systems like SeaStar or Uflex — always verify compatibility with your existing helm.
• Installation complexity: Mechanical rod systems are generally straightforward bolt-on installations, while electro-steer or wireless systems require more setup but deliver expanded control options.

Top Brands in Auxiliary Motor Steering

PantherPro is the leading name in auxiliary motor steering, offering one of the most comprehensive lineups in the category. The Panther Trolling Motor Tie Bar Kit connects an auxiliary trolling motor to SeaStar Solutions or Uflex hydraulic steering, with the tie bar being ½" thick and composed entirely of stainless steel — extremely heavy-duty. Panther's kicker motor steering systems — including the T-5, T-4, and Model 101 — are engineered for precise control, compact design, and reliable performance on any boat. Whether you need a simple freshwater rod kit or a fully integrated Electro-Steer system, PantherPro has a solution to match your setup.