"I have this exact problem. I
"I have this exact problem. I just switched from a Yamaha kicker that had the ability to lock the steering in the centered position. When I was using the main motor, I tilted the kicker and locked it in the centered position because it put too much stress on the kicker bracket to lean it one way or the other.
I just installed my Nissan (9.8 four-stroke, 20" shaft) and discovered that unfortunately, it does not have this same feature.
How have others dealt with this problem? Does the steering friction bolt have the ability to hold the Nissan in a centered position while running the boat in anything but smooth water? Should I just get a beefier kicker bracket to put my mind at ease? Will the motor and its mounting assembly be damaged by leaving the motor leaned to one side or the other when it is tilted up? Is there an aftermarket product that can help fix this problem, like a Trol-Eze or something similar?
I would prefer to not link the main and the kicker as I control the kicker from the back deck while fishing.
Thanks in advance,
Kyle"