Overview

The Attwood Marine 11663-7 is a motor link steering kit for boats that run a main outboard and a kicker motor from the same helm. It uses a 24 in connector rod and works with single-cable, dual-cable, and popular hydraulic steering systems, so the auxiliary motor can be steered from the wheel instead of by hand at the transom.

This setup is most useful when trolling or working at low speed, where small course changes matter and the skipper wants to stay at the helm. The quick-connect pivot ball joints let either engine tilt up or down while connected, and the rod can be left attached and cut or bent to suit the spacing between engines.

Key features

• Links a kicker motor to the boat’s main steering so helm input turns the auxiliary motor from the wheel.
• Works with single-cable, dual-cable, and popular hydraulic steering systems.
• 24 in connector rod can be cut or bent to match the spacing between the main engine and kicker.
• Universal pivot ball joint assemblies allow quick attachment or removal while keeping tilt movement available on either motor.
• Suited to fresh or saltwater use.

Compatibility and fit

This is an auxiliary outboard steering link, not a full helm or cable replacement kit. Fit depends on the spacing and steering geometry between the main outboard and the kicker, which is why the rod is supplied long and then trimmed or formed during installation.

It is a good match for anglers and cruisers who use a kicker for trolling or slow-speed control and want steering at the wheel without moving aft to correct course. Boats with tight splashwells, offset brackets, or unusual engine spacing should be checked through the full steering arc before the rod is finalized.

Installation and setup

The ball joint hardware mounts at the steering connection points on the main engine and the kicker, then the rod is sized to the span between them. Final setup is boat-specific, so the connection should be checked lock to lock and with each motor tilted through its full range before the boat goes back in the water.

Because the rod can be cut or bent for fit, it can be adapted to a range of transom layouts. That flexibility is useful on small fishing boats, aluminum boats with an auxiliary outboard, and other setups where the kicker sits close to the main engine.