ENGINE STEER®

Posted online Comments: (Special Thanks to Walleye Central for many of the posts)

NEW - Watch the Video demonstrating Power Tiller Steering with Jack Glass.

To whom it may concern My name is Jack Glass and I'm a full time fishing guide and tournament fisherman. I've operated Tiller steering motors 39 years, and the past 22 years at my business as full time guide.

I'm on the Mercury Pro Team and operated large outboards 200,225,250 and all with tiller steering, on the west coast we run these motors with jet drive to operate in sallow water. Over the past 10 years myself and many others are using lower units with props and jack plates the torque these motors is a two handed operation.

Power tiller steering is the answer to safe operation. Power tiller steering is the wave of the future for tiller steering.after using power tiller steering I will not consider operation any other way I thank you folks at Power Tiller Steering company for building a product I can rely on for safe boating.

Sincerly,
Jack Glass

Awsome new product, the control helps me to really get in those tight areas without the strain of fighting the tiller. I am telling all my buddies about the Power Tiller Steering unit!

I found you through a forum online had one installed a few months ago. Let me just say I am thrilled with my decision to add this to the boat, my whole family now enjoys it and we even use the boat for water skiing!

I have a 20 foot warrior with a 125HP Merc. Believe me I know what torque is. I drove a Yarcraft with a 135 Merc and the Mertin power steering at Mille Lacs 2 weeks ago, wow-is all I could say. A four year old could drive that boat. I really think it is a must have for these larger HP tillers. The thing that makes it so neat is that it works all of the time, unlike the Warrior system that really is only good when moving at higher speeds. Do a search and you'll find al sorts of good info. Ill be getting mine put on in the spring!

Dan

Well, I finally broke down and got the "Power Steering" for my 115 Yamaha tiller. I've waited this long to see if they had the kinks ironed out. Well, I took it out this past weekend and I can't describe how easy this thing makes boat control. You can check the archives for others opinions about it, but I just can't believe how easy my boat (Yarcraft 1895 bt) manuevers now. It's like moving a small kicker motor. My dad at 68 years old can swing that boat around on a dime and he's 5'8" and about 160, not a big guy by any means. I'm really glad I finally got this put on my boat. I have no regrets at all! The guys at Marine Pros in Whitewater, WI were a pleasure to work with and I can only say THANKS to them so many times. If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact me. I'd be happy to help anyone else out that may have questions.

Well I have finally had the chance to drive this power steering system for tillers. Frank Gailloreto at Marine pros in Whitewater is Tim Mertens partner in bringing this system to market for all to enjoy! Frank took me out and said have at it.Yamaha 150, Wide open with two fingers? I'm still at a lost for words? I don't really still know what to say, Uncanny, Unreal? Wow what a system!!!

But I will say that you can not even drive a console this easy! Two fingers? Untill you have your hands on it, you have no idea. The throttle is modifyed to a something like a joy stick? One finger left, one finger right, When you let go it's not going anywhere (locked). I belive they had a 250 hp tiller on a ranger doing 70 something with two fingers? (Unreal)This is a sweet system. Anyone with a tiller can not go wrong with this system. I'll post again when I get back over to Marine Pros and some detail photos. I've got a couple photos at wide open. e-mail logqtrs@ticon.net if you want to see um

I persoanlly think the new power steering systems (merten) will keep me in a tiller boat. This will allow me to let go of the tiller handle and the syetem will keep the boat on course therefore eliminating the concern expressed about always having to hold the tiller handle. Prior to this new system being avaialable I was strongly considering a wheel boat, and have been a tiller man my whole life. As the boat builders rerate their boats for the higher hp tillrs it also allows us tiller guys to have the speed we always desire. The only two things I have always wanted for my tiller boat was more speed and a rear casting deck for my occasional bass fishing trip.
My two cents worth.

Just got back from having the power tiller steering system installed in my boat. All superlative adjectives apply for the unit and the Enginesteer group. Jim, Tim and Jim Jr. did a very good job. (They even let me help!) It can be talked about and even tried out on their boat....but it's really awesome when it's on your boat and you can feel the difference immediately. Expensive? Yes, but I wouldn't have bought it if I didn't think it was worth it. It will be much safer/easier and really save my arm. My 74# vantage is now harder to steer than my F80!!! Swede

Rather Be Lucky:

Glad you had a system put on your boat you will truly be more pleased everytime you operate the boat. I have run my steering system on my Ranger 620T since May of 2003 and would not run a tiller if the system was not available, that is how much i love the system. Running a tiller is fun when you have the Power Tiller Steering. Just doesn't get any better!!!!! Anyone thinking about a system should get in touch with Tim to get list of install dealers so they will be able to get on the list or also no time like the present to get it done, don't wait till May!!!! Cold Front:

You owe it to yourself and your body to check out the enginesteer (Power Tiller Steering System). This is a must system if you run a tiller, my 8 year old runs my 125 Mercury with motor fully down. Using trim and trim tab will only do so much and what about when water is rough enough that you can't trim the motor? Call enginesteer 1-920-231-2916 to find out more. Get set up to do demo drive, within 10 seconds you will know why every one is sold on this system.

Yes it does help when trying to get up on plane in rough water by removing the effort to hold the tiller straight and still. In the hole shot it removes all of the heavy torque forces. In other words you can move the tiller with virtually no effort at any RPM and any trim position. I just drove it for a little bit. My son(my boat driver) drove it in some pretty rough water and his comment was that he felt like he was in much more control at high speed because all of the jerking that is normally transfered to the tiller was gone. He also said that it made him feel MUCH safer

Hi: I also made the trip over to Mille Lacs to run the tiller boats. It was an impressive fleet that included a Ranger 620T, a Yar Craft Storm 1895T, and two very cool AlumaCraft TP 185Ts. All those boats were available for demo rides. In addition, there was a AlumaCraft TP 185 which was getting the system installed...in the parking lot no less. There was also a Ranger 618T available for inspection. Tim Merten and his family were there to answer questions and do a demonstration of an installation. I highly encourage tiller guys to take advantage of these EngineSteer demo days to get a feel for the system and to see some really cool walleye boats. Thanks to the EngineSteer team for a great opportunity.

This reply goes all the way back up to the top for brian1785. Keep us posted as you experience your setup. I have been waiting since the Tiller Steering was first rumored until now to see if tiller boats will be tagged to an acceptable horse power limit. I saw G Feder's boat last night at our club meeting, unfortunately we were not located to test drive the setup. I guess I can't say I was surprised by what I saw, rather every good thing I expected to see was all confirmed when I finally had the chance to see it in person. It is the real deal IMO.

It feels really odd, but I have to say my next boat buy, which has already been delayed, will probably be determined by which boat company will step forward in the tiller category hp ratings. I keep on thinking how odd of a thought process I am in - a tiller steering feature is what my next boat will be built around...

My next boat will be a tiller - my shoulder won't be sore, and it won't be underpowered. Sooner or later the tiller market is going to be reborn - hopefully there is a boat company out there that realizes the potential the Enginesteer offers.

I TALKED TO CORY FROM YAR-CRAFT AND HE INDICATED TO ME THAT HE WOULD RATE THE 2095 STORM(OLD 1895 STORM HULL) FOR 150 HP IF THE BOAT WAS RIGGED WITH THE POWER TILLER STEERING. OKAY NOW WE'RE TALKING!!!! WALLEYE GUIDE

While I was unable to get to the demo on Saturday, George was kind enough to meet me at Leech Lake on Friday. After spending 2 minutes driving the system, I was amazed. After 20 minutes, I was sold. I thought the hype, after building for better than a year, might be overblown. If anything, it was the opposite. I thought my current boat, a 620 tiller with a 115 Yamaha, was the easiest driving and best riding boat I have owned to date, but the Merten System will absolutely be on my next boat. It eliminates EVERY BIT of torque, regardless of trim position. Driving the boat almost becomes more of a thought process than an effort - turn left in your mind, and the boat follows. The installation on George Feder's engine was extremely well thought out, with the only noticeable components being 3 small hoses along the tiller handle. I was concerned that several more years of a sore left shoulder would force the move to a wheel boat, but that concern is gone. This system needs to be driven by anyone who is a serious tiller fan. As a side note - I noticed that the engine on the boat was a 115 Optimax. I understand that it was a 2000 model V-6 After driving the boat, comparing it to my 115 4-stroke, the performance was unreal. The engine and steering system allowed this boat to perform like no other tiller I have ever driven. 49.8 MPH GPS reading - with a five blade. Awsome holeshot, great handling, less than 15 seconds from on plane to on pad - yes, a tiller boat ON ITS PAD. Don't bother turning your hat around, you gotta take it off. Thanks again George

Hi: I wanted to take the time to say "Thanks" to Jimmer @ Corner Sports for a great DEMO day. Hats off to George Feder and his friend Tim for letting me run their boats. I had an opportunity to run both the 618T and the 620T (twice), really a blast. The Enginesteer system is amazing. My wife, who has virtually zero tiller experience had the 620T on plane and carving through the turns. I encourage all of you tiller guys & gals to check it out for yourself.

WW or anyone else thinking about checking this system out. By all means do yourself a favor and see what all the fuss is about. I have the Merten system on my boat and STILL can't get over how slick it is.
If at all possible take these guys up on thier offers to test this power steering system out. You'll be glad you did!

I recently bought a 2003 175 Magnum tiller with a 75hp Yamaha 4 stroke pushin it. It also has the merten power steering system on it ( AWESOME ! )I can't give you specifics as to speed etc but it does what I want it to and then some. All in all I'm very happy with it.

Just use my newly installed power tiller system from Mertens on a Ranger 618 T with the new 90 hp evinrude E-tec. What an awesome system to operate. I'd highly recommend the system if you are a tiller boat operater. It really takes the stress off your shoulder if you need to travel long distances in rough water with your trim down-also very nice for back-trolling-it stays in the position you leave it if you remove your hand. Also heard there may be more information and/or demo of the system in the northern Minnesota area some time in the next few months. If anyone has any more info on this please me know - Thanks

Well I just got to try out he new power tiller steering on Devils Lake, ND. The unit is ubelievable. From fit to finish it is flawless. We were out on a beautiful North Dakota summer day....30-40 mile and hour winds and 56 degrees! The motor had absolutely no torque what so ever at any speed . I currently run a 115 Yammy. This boat was equipped with a 150 and it was no comparison. I want to thank WALLEYEGUIDE for taking me out and opening my eyes to this new product. Hat's off to Tim Merten you are a genius! Great work guys and thanks again. This unit will be on my boat in the near future.

srj , If at all possible do yourself a favor and try to set up test ride with one of these guys.THAT more than anything will answer any questions you have. You will absolutely freak at how nice this system handles. I just picked my boat ( Magnum 175/75hp tiller )up from Marine Pros in Whitewater WI and can't get over what a slick set up this Merten System is.

This might just be the ticket for you and your knicked up shoulder. The only aches I had at the end of the first day out was from the smile on my face.

WalleyeGuide hit the nail on the head when he said what a pleasure it is to run a boat rigged with this system. I still can't get over it myself.

Anyways , I could go on but seeing is believing so I'll say it again to you or anyone interested. Do your best to try and set up a test ride with one of these guys and see for yourself ! If your not impressed by this set up then there's somthing deffinately wrong with you ! LOL

I recently had a chance to fish with George Feder in his Ranger 620 T equipped with the new Merten Tiller Power Steering System. For all of you tiller guys out there that have heard all the hype about this system all I can say is have patience. It was without a doubt the best thing that has happened for tiller guys. I have also ran the Warrior system and while that is also a good system it is a remote system unlike the Merten system that is a direct feedback system in that it is controlled with the throttle grip. The
design is basic and seems like it will be trouble free and
does not take up any room inside of the boat.

In all we ran 25 to 35 miles on Big Winnibigoshish with a 15-20 mile an hour wind most of the day. The boat was loaded with Three guys full livewells and a lot of gear. The wind was WNW and we ran from Nodaks resort to Stoney Pt. and to several spots East and West of that line. This cross wind was a real test in my mind and at no time was there any fighting the hull to stay on coarse. I was able to read
water and make small sharp "S" cuts in and out of white capped swells with no problem. We had to use the 125 Merc to back troll with most of the day and it was nice to know if I had to let go of the tiller handle to net a fish the motor was not going to move. It is a unbelievable development.

I know a lot of you guys are getting tired of reading all the hype about this tiller power steering but I just wanted to add a testimonial to those preveous ones that it will be well worth the wait once this baby hits the market. I can see why it had been hyped up so much.