Uncle Norms Orca Fins

[mariner]

Has anyone tried installing Uncle Norms Orca Fins on their main outboards or know of anyone that has one installed?  I was told by a company representative that the fins will allow you to track straight based on the additional rudder surface area.  With more rudder area it acts sort a like a stabilizer to keep the boat from wondering or going off course while you are trolling and busy at the stern of the boat.  It also helps with slow speed turns while docking.  I'm trying to avoid having to spend >$2K on a new Lowrance HDS Gen3 fishfinder that is compatible with the Lowrance outboard autopilot.  If the Orca fin will track well enough to allow me to get the lines, downrigger and gear into the water and setup and not have to run back and forth to correct boat travel direction that would be great.

[FishAddict]

Not sure on Uncle Norms fins.  Looks interesting...I do have a Lowrance Gen 2 and outboard pilot and they both work pretty good.  You don't need a gen 3 to make the outboard pilot work.

[Fisherdv]

As I mentioned in your first post go with hydraulic steering. I troll a lot and used to hate having to run back and forth to the wheel to keep the boat straight while dropping down lines. Especially in a fleet of boats all fishing in the same area. Set the wheel where you want it and it stays there

[GregE]

As mentioned on your other thread- Baystar hydraulic steering ( Seastar for 150 and up ) makes Such a big difference on tracking and ease in turning.

I drove the SR 19 for year without it-  wish I'd put the kit on earlier-  $700 well spent.

[mariner]

Thanks FisherDev and GregE. 

So you both are saying that even with some wind/current/waves that push against the bow or stern of the boat while slow trolling it won't cause it to turn off course if you have hydraulic steering?  Wondering if there is something different with this hull design that gives it this ability that other boats don't have.  Perhaps the sponsons?

[Fisherdv]

The wheel will stay straight but with wind and waves it will still go off course no matter what you do. In calm water it will stay straight. Much better than a wheel that immediately flops over when you let go of it

[Rokefin]

I have Baystar steering on the 17 footer and it will stay on track enough in calm conditions but most of the time in the ocean, if alone, working the riggers and poles in the back can be a problem. I have fished alone enough to know that I would really like to have an autopilot set up. My last trip out on Tamales Bay on a windy day trying to work both lines was too frustrating and I quit within an hour, the boat would be blown 180 degrees in a matter of seconds......I would also be curious to know how the Orca Fin helps improve the tracking.

[Markshoreline]

Hydraulic steering will solve your problem and provide improved overall boat performance.  Hydraulic is much safer than cable.

[Diablo]

You won't track any better with hydraulic steering. It's the wind a waves that throw the boat around. I don't see Uncle Norms helping for that. If you want to maintain a hands free course in any condition you would need auto pilot.
As to advantage of hydraulic steering, way less maintenance, easy to steer, and you can add a second steering station.

[GregE]

Thanks FisherDev and GregE. 

So you both are saying that even with some wind/current/waves that push against the bow or stern of the boat while slow trolling it won't cause it to turn off course if you have hydraulic steering?  Wondering if there is something different with this hull design that gives it this ability that other boats don't have.  Perhaps the sponsons?

Nope.  wind and saves are still a challenge, but you can relax wheel pressure while cruising and the motor will stay steady ( the torque trim tab need to be set correctly )