SeaStar HO6010 36" Mechanical Tie Bar Kit
SeaStar HO6010 36" Mechanical Tie Bar Kit — Product description
Link your main outboard and kicker motor with a heavy-duty mechanical tie bar that turns both engines in sync. Saves the awkward dance of reaching back to adjust the kicker every time you turn the wheel.
The SeaStar HO6010 mechanical tie bar kit links your primary outboard and small kicker motor so they steer as one unit. Move the wheel at the helm, both engines turn together. It eliminates the hassle of running two separate steering systems and lets you troll, position, and idle in any direction without leaving the helm.
The kit ships with the tie bar, mounting brackets, and hardware for a 36-inch span between motors. The bar adjusts within the kit length range to handle different transom widths and motor positions. Stainless-steel ball joints at each end give smooth pivoting under load and resist saltwater corrosion. The bar is rated for kicker motors in the 6-15 horsepower range.
Installation is straightforward and bolts on with standard hand tools. The brackets clamp to the lower unit of each outboard, and the bar threads in between with adjustable end fittings. SeaStar publishes a single-page install diagram for the kit. Plan for 30-60 minutes of bench time, plus a quick test in the slip to confirm the bar arc clears the transom in full lock-to-lock turns.
Use cases include trolling for salmon and walleye where you need precise speed control from a kicker, positioning a center console at the helm without reaching back to a separate tiller, and giving you a single-point steering setup for boats running primary plus kicker for redundancy. Anglers who switch between full-throttle runs and slow-troll passes get the most value from this kit because it eliminates the back-and-forth between two steering systems.
The HO6010 is the 36-inch length in the SeaStar tie bar family. SeaStar makes shorter and longer bars for different transom configurations. If your two motors sit closer than 36 inches centerline to centerline, you want the shorter SeaStar tie bar. If they sit wider, you want the longer version. Confirm motor spacing before ordering. The bar accepts motors of similar size, so don't use it to link a small kicker to a much larger outboard at extreme angles. The bar handles light steering loads, not heavy hydraulic loads.
SeaStar has been making outboard steering and tie bars for marine OEMs and aftermarket installs for decades. The hardware in this kit is the same caliber they ship to boat builders. It's a one-and-done install that you forget about until your next motor swap.
One often-overlooked detail is the kicker mount geometry. The tie bar assumes the kicker motor sits on a fixed bracket like a Garelick or Panther mount, where the motor angle is locked in place. If your kicker sits on a swing-out bracket (typical for fishing platforms where you stow the motor out of the water between trips), confirm that the bar can stay connected through the swing arc or that you have a quick-disconnect at the kicker end. A few minutes of bench planning saves a lot of frustration at the launch ramp.
Salmon and walleye anglers who run two-rod-per-person spreads are the heaviest users of this kit. The math is straightforward. Trolling at 1.5 to 2.5 knots over irregular structure means constantly adjusting heading. Without a tie bar, you either let the kicker run straight and steer the boat with the wheel (which the kicker fights), or you run the kicker on its own tiller and ignore the main outboard entirely. Neither is great. With the tie bar, you set the boat speed with the kicker throttle and steer normally with the wheel. The two motors work together. You can hold a depth contour or follow a tide line for hours without thinking about it.
For pontoon and aluminum-hull fishing boats running primary outboard plus kicker, the same logic applies. Tie bar lets you steer naturally from the helm and use the kicker for slow-speed positioning around docks, around structure, or while landing fish.
One more practical note. The kit comes with the bar, mounting brackets, and the hardware you need for a clean install. You do not need to buy adapters or specialty fittings unless your motors are unusually old or unusual sizes. Modern Yamaha, Mercury, Honda, Suzuki, and Tohatsu kickers in the 6-15 HP range mount with the included brackets out of the box.
Key Features
- 36-inch mechanical tie bar links primary outboard and kicker motor for synced steering
- Stainless-steel ball joints at each end resist saltwater corrosion and give smooth pivoting
- Adjustable end fittings handle small variations in motor spacing within kit length range
- Mounting brackets clamp to lower unit of each outboard, no drilling required
- Rated for kicker motors in the 6-15 horsepower range, common for salmon and walleye trolling setups
- Bolts on with standard hand tools, install in 30 to 60 minutes on the bench
- Eliminates the awkward dance of running two separate steering systems
- Lets you troll, position, and idle in any direction from the helm without reaching back to a tiller
- SeaStar has been making outboard steering for marine OEMs and aftermarket installs for decades
- One-and-done install that you forget about until your next motor swap
Why Buy from NVN Marine
- Authorized SeaStar reseller, full manufacturer warranty
- NMEA member and ABYC certified, advice from real boat techs
- Same-day shipping before 3 PM ET on in-stock items
- NY headquarters and Fort Lauderdale flagship retail store
Genuine SeaStar HO6010 mechanical tie bar kit (MPN HO6010, UPC 731957819123). 36-inch length, fits 6-15 HP kicker motors. Stainless-steel ball joints. SeaStar standard warranty applies. Ships from NVN Marine with order-by-3-PM same-day shipping on this $476.99 tie bar kit.
Technical specifications
| Title | SeaStar HO6010 36-inch Mechanical Tie Bar Kit |
|---|---|
| Brand | SeaStar |
| Manufacturer Part Number | HO6010 |
| UPC | 731957819123 |
| Bar Length | 36 inches nominal, adjustable end fittings |
| Motor Size Rating | Kicker motors 6 to 15 horsepower |
| Material | Steel bar, stainless-steel ball joints and end fittings |
| Saltwater Use | Yes, marine-rated, rinse after each saltwater trip |
| Includes | Tie bar, two mounting brackets, hardware, install diagram |
| Install Method | Bolt-on to lower units of both motors with included brackets |
| Install Time | 30 to 60 minutes bench time |
| Tools Required | Standard hand tools (wrench set, screwdriver) |
| Steering Geometry | Links primary outboard and kicker for synced steering |
| Compatible Steering | Hydraulic, electric, or mechanical helm steering |
| Warranty | SeaStar standard warranty |
Frequently asked questions
What does this tie bar actually do?
Mechanically links your primary outboard motor and your small kicker motor so they steer together as a single unit. When you turn the wheel at the helm, both engines turn at the same angle. You no longer need to manage two separate steering systems while trolling.
What kicker motor size does it fit?
Rated for kicker motors in the 6-15 horsepower range. Common kicker brands like Yamaha T8, Honda BF8, Mercury 9.9, Suzuki DF6, Tohatsu 9.8 all fit. If you have a smaller 4-6 HP kicker or larger 20+ HP, check fitment with SeaStar customer service first.
How much space do the motors need to sit apart?
The 36-inch tie bar accommodates motors with roughly 32-40 inches between the centerlines, with the end fittings adjustable to handle small variations. Measure transom centerline to centerline of each motor before ordering. SeaStar makes shorter and longer versions in the family.
Does it work with hydraulic steering?
Yes. Whether your main outboard uses hydraulic, electric, or mechanical steering, the tie bar links the kicker to the main motor mechanically at the lower units. The kicker just follows wherever the main motor turns. The helm steering system is unchanged.
How long does installation take?
30-60 minutes for an angler who can use a wrench. Bolt the mounting brackets to the lower units of both motors, thread the bar in between with the adjustable end fittings, and tighten everything down. SeaStar publishes a single-page install diagram with the kit. Test in the slip to confirm full lock-to-lock turning clears the transom.
Will it work in saltwater?
Yes. The end fittings are stainless steel and the kit is built for marine use. As with any tie bar, rinse with fresh water after each saltwater trip to prevent salt buildup at the ball joints. Lubricate the pivots seasonally.
What if my motors are different sizes?
The bar handles light steering loads. If you're linking a small kicker (under 15 HP) to a medium primary outboard, the geometry works fine and you'll get synced steering at reasonable boat speeds. If you have wildly different motor sizes (say, a 250 HP main and a 4 HP kicker), the geometry can get awkward at full lock and you may want to call SeaStar before ordering.
Do I need to remove the kicker motor steering arm?
No. The tie bar attaches to the lower unit of the kicker via the mounting bracket, the kicker's steering arm stays put. The kicker just turns with the main motor whenever you turn the wheel.
Can I still use the kicker independently in an emergency?
Yes. The tie bar links the two motors, so steering the kicker will also turn the main motor (and vice versa). If your main steering system fails, you can still steer the boat by physically turning the kicker (the main motor will follow). It's a reasonable backup.
What's the difference between 36-inch and other lengths?
The 36-inch version (HO6010) fits the most common centerline-to-centerline motor spacing on cabin boats and sportfishers. SeaStar makes shorter (HO6005, 24-inch) and longer (HO6015, 48-inch) bars for narrower or wider transom configurations. Measure your motor spacing first.
Does this work with a 4-stroke kicker?
Yes. 2-stroke or 4-stroke doesn't matter for the tie bar, what matters is the motor size (in the 6-15 HP range) and the lower unit physical dimensions. All major modern 4-stroke kickers in the 6-15 HP range fit.
Is the bar adjustable in length?
Yes, within a narrow range. The adjustable end fittings let you fine-tune the bar length to match your exact motor centerline spacing. If your motor spacing is well outside the 36-inch nominal length, choose the shorter or longer SeaStar tie bar instead. Don't force the bar to span a distance it wasn't designed for.
