Kicker motor tied to AP (How to)

[sinkorswim]

I really need some help with my AP and kicker motor set up. I’m am at a total loss as to what to do next after weeks of trying. I recently had a Yamaha 9.9 kicker installed on my 21ft boat. The kicker is hydraulic. The Marina removed my AP from the main Yamaha 200 to the kicker since trolling was all I used to AP for. There is no connection to the main steering. The set is, Simrad NSX 12, NAC2, AP44 and point 1 compass. The AP was working with no issues on the main. However, I cannot get the AP to commission properly due to no connection to the wheel. I cannot go to full starboard as the process requires. The port and starboard buttons on the HDS and AP44 will not display until commission is completed. I cannot manually push the motor to starboard due to the hydraulics. If I bypass the full over to starboard the AP will then turn on its own to full port and back to center.  Then when I try to use the AP  the boat turns in a circle instead of holding course. I would say it’s the compass but this same set up was working flawlessly when tied to the main. I have calibrated the compass several times and tried adding an offset. Replacing the AP is not an option at the minute. Can someone please tell me how to fix this issue. 

[lrg355]

Get another hydraulic steering unit just for the 9.9.  mount the helm in a convenient location and put a small crank handle on it.  Vevor has a hydraulic steering setup with the helm, cylinder, hoses and fittings. Oil must be bought separately.  I paid about $250 for that setup about 1 1/2 years ago.  Remove the AP from your main unit and install it to the new system dedicated to the kicker.  I know the Yamaha 9.9 has a steering tube so the cylinder will mount on it.  My system is a Lowrance Outboard Pilot controlled by a HDS 12 Lowrance but it shouldn't matter what you have running it.  It works very well in any waves I am willing to fish in.

 

[lrg355]

After I read your post again I realized you are completely disconnected from the main hydraulics.  The only basic difference you may have from mine is you don't have a dedicated helm for the kicker.  That's deserves consideration.

[Andre wallyandre]

There is many many guys that are running a ap connect to the main and the kicker link with a seastar arm. I know many guys doing this including myself.