Panther remote steering questions

[Ernie]

I’m looking for some user reviews on the Panther remote steering that is often attached to the 9.9 kickers on R23s. Review at other sites are a mixed Bag. I’m coming from a sailing background and I feel like a little auxiliary motor like the Yamaha 9.9 is a good safety at sea item. I troll at 2mph with my main, so the kicker isn’t critical for trolling. I’m wondering how well the panther unit works Keeping you on track while trolling in 1’to 3’ chop. Is it durable or does it malfunction after a short life? Cost ($500) is not the main issue. I just don’t want to add a gadget that is only marginally useful or delicate in rough salty conditions, what’s you experience with Panther?

 

[Cessna172]

The Panther unit mounted on my 9.9 Yamaha (from the Cutwater factory) does a good job of orienting the outboard. Steering however, is up to the operator. Unlike the TR-1 Gold unit I had on my previous boat, the Panther does not follow a compass heading - it's basically point and shoot.

In that regard the Panther works well. Using the remote it seems a tad bit slow cycling from lock to lock and the range is slightly diminished due to the hydraulic cylinder length. The unit is quickly disengaged for manual steering. I operate only in salt water and have had no problems with the system, other than replacing the remote battery in nearly two years.

One "advantage" over a unit that follows a compass heading or GPS steer is in 2 ft or high seas the outboard with the Panther is not constantly running lock to lock trying to maintain a heading (very bothersome).