Let’s Talk About Panther 55-5705 Motor Link Adapter
The Panther 55-5705 Motor Link Adapter, manufactured by Panther, promises to simplify controlling your kicker motor from your boat’s console. For boaters with hydraulic steering, this adapter connects your steering kit to the main engine’s hydraulic system. A clever L-shaped bracket, hardware, and instructions are included, making installation seemingly straightforward.
After years of wrestling with a tiller-controlled kicker motor, I was tired of contorting myself to steer while trolling for salmon. I needed a solution that integrated the kicker motor seamlessly with my boat’s hydraulic steering system. I was looking for simplicity, reliability, and a clean installation, and the Panther 55-5705 Motor Link Adapter seemed to offer just that.
The packaging was simple, containing the bracket, mounting hardware, and instructions. The bracket itself felt sturdy, made from what appeared to be powder-coated steel. It didn’t scream “high-end”, but it seemed robust enough for the job.
Compared to completely custom-built solutions or universal linkage kits that require extensive modification, the Panther 55-5705 Motor Link Adapter seemed like a more targeted and potentially easier install. Other options felt either too complex or too generic. The simplicity of the Panther system was appealing.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. I appreciated the seemingly straightforward design, but I also worried about the potential for play in the linkage and the overall durability of the bracket. I hoped the Panther 55-5705 Motor Link Adapter would live up to its promise of easy kicker motor control.
Real-World Testing: Putting Panther 55-5705 Motor Link Adapter to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Panther 55-5705 Motor Link Adapter on my 21-foot center console during a salmon fishing trip in Puget Sound. The conditions were typical for the Pacific Northwest: slightly choppy water and a light drizzle. Installation took about an hour, following the instructions closely.
The performance was… mixed. Steering felt somewhat vague, with a noticeable lag between turning the helm and the kicker motor responding. There was also more play in the system than I had hoped, meaning small steering corrections on the main helm translated to larger, less precise movements on the kicker.
The initial setup proved trickier than anticipated, requiring several adjustments to eliminate binding. Also, under moderate load (a slight headwind and current), I noticed some flex in the L-shaped bracket, which further contributed to the imprecise steering feel.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a couple of months of regular use (roughly 4-5 fishing trips per month), the Panther 55-5705 Motor Link Adapter showed some signs of wear. The powder coating on the bracket began to chip in areas exposed to saltwater spray. Small amounts of rust started forming at the exposed edges.
The play in the steering linkage seemed to increase slightly over time, requiring more frequent adjustments. Maintenance involved spraying the moving parts with a corrosion inhibitor after each trip. Cleaning was simple, just rinsing with fresh water.
Compared to my previous setup (tiller steering), the Panther adapter offered the convenience of console steering but sacrificed precision and responsiveness. It definitely didn’t meet my expectations of a seamless integration. My friend’s boat uses a hydraulic cylinder directly coupled to the kicker; the difference in feel and response is night and day.
Breaking Down the Features of Panther 55-5705 Motor Link Adapter
Specifications
The Panther 55-5705 Motor Link Adapter is designed to adapt steering kits to main engine hydraulic steering systems. It is a linkage-based system that relies on mechanical connections.
The kit includes an L-shaped bracket, washers, a mounting bolt, locktite, and instructions. The bracket material isn’t explicitly specified, but it appears to be powder-coated steel.
The key specification is its compatibility with specific Panther steering kits and hydraulic steering systems. Weight and dimensions are not provided, but the bracket is relatively small and lightweight. The included hardware is standard, nothing particularly noteworthy.
The performance relies on precise installation and minimal play in the linkage; otherwise, responsiveness suffers. The overall user experience depends heavily on the specific boat, kicker motor, and main engine steering setup.
Performance & Functionality
The Panther 55-5705 Motor Link Adapter performs its core function – linking the main engine’s hydraulic steering to the kicker motor – but the execution leaves something to be desired. The steering feel is vague, and there’s noticeable play in the system.
A significant strength is its ease of installation. A major weakness is the lack of precision and the potential for wear and tear.
It partially met my expectations. It provided console steering, but the steering feel and reliability fell short.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is decent for the price point, but not exceptional. The materials are adequate, but the bracket could be more robust.
The design is simple and functional, and there’s a slight learning curve for proper adjustment. Some fine-tuning is required to minimize play in the linkage.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Panther 55-5705 Motor Link Adapter should last a few seasons, but the powder coating is prone to chipping and corrosion in saltwater environments. Replacing the bracket may become necessary after a few years.
Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to prevent corrosion and maintain smooth operation.
Accessories and Customization Options
The kit doesn’t include any accessories beyond the basic mounting hardware. No customization options are available directly from Panther.
The adapter could potentially be modified with aftermarket bushings or improved linkages, but this would require custom fabrication. It’s also possible to add a small dampener to reduce vibration, but not directly supported.
Pros and Cons of Panther 55-5705 Motor Link Adapter
Pros
- Easy to install for those with basic mechanical skills.
- Provides console steering for kicker motor, enhancing convenience.
- Relatively inexpensive compared to hydraulic kicker motor steering systems.
- Acceptable for slow trolling speeds in calm conditions.
Cons
- Steering feel is vague and imprecise.
- Potential for play in the linkage.
- Powder coating is prone to chipping and corrosion, especially in saltwater environments.
Who Should Buy Panther 55-5705 Motor Link Adapter?
Perfect for: Anglers on a tight budget who want basic console steering for their kicker motor, primarily for slow trolling in relatively calm waters.
Who should skip this product? Boat owners who demand precise steering control, frequently fish in rough conditions, or are unwilling to perform regular maintenance.
Must-have accessories or modifications? High-quality corrosion inhibitor spray, thread locker (even though it’s included), and potentially aftermarket bushings to reduce play.
Conclusion on Panther 55-5705 Motor Link Adapter
The Panther 55-5705 Motor Link Adapter offers a budget-friendly way to connect your kicker motor to your boat’s hydraulic steering, but it comes with compromises. The vague steering feel and potential for play in the linkage detract from the overall experience. It gets the job done, but not elegantly.
The price is justifiable for those seeking a simple, affordable solution, but don’t expect high-end performance. It’s a step up from tiller steering, but a far cry from dedicated hydraulic systems.
I would cautiously recommend it to boaters on a very strict budget who understand its limitations. If you can afford a more robust hydraulic system, do it. Otherwise, be prepared for some compromises in steering precision and long-term durability. Ultimately, Panther’s 55-5705 Motor Link Adapter gets you on the water with integrated steering without breaking the bank, but consider all options before committing!