If you've spent much time navigating narrow creeks or tight timber, you probably know why ezy glide stick steering has such a dedicated following among freshwater anglers. It's one of those modifications that completely changes how a boat feels, moving you from the back of the vessel right up to the front where the action is. Instead of wrestling with a traditional steering wheel or a tiller handle that keeps your back turned to the water, you get a simple, responsive lever that puts you in total control.
Most people first encounter this setup on crappie boats or panfish rigs. There is something incredibly intuitive about pushing a lever forward to go one way and pulling it back to go the other. It's a mechanical connection that feels much more direct than a standard rack-and-pinion system. If you're tired of cramped quarters or just want a better view of what's ahead of your bow, making the switch might be the best move you ever make for your boat.
Why Stick Steering Makes Sense
The biggest draw for most folks is the visibility. When you use ezy glide stick steering, you're usually sitting in a pedestal seat right at the bow. This is a massive advantage when you're trying to navigate through a "stump field" or around submerged logs. You see the obstacle exactly when it appears, rather than three seconds later when it's already halfway under your hull.
Beyond just seeing where you're going, it's about comfort. Tiller engines are great, but sitting sideways and reaching behind you all day can really do a number on your back and shoulders. With a stick steering setup, you're sitting comfortably facing forward. Everything you need is right there in front of you. It's an ergonomic dream for fishermen who spend eight or ten hours on the water at a time.
Another thing people love is the space it saves. Steering consoles take up a lot of room in a small aluminum boat. By using a stick mounted to the side of the hull, you open up the middle of the deck. This gives you more room for tackle boxes, coolers, and, most importantly, moving around without tripping over a steering column.
The Feel of the Water
There's a specific "feel" to ezy glide stick steering that you don't get with a wheel. It's very fast. If you need to make a sharp adjustment to avoid a rock, a quick flick of the wrist does it. You aren't spinning a wheel two and a half times to get the motor to turn. It's an almost instantaneous response.
That said, it does take a little bit of getting used to. If you've spent twenty years driving a car or a traditional boat, your brain is wired to turn a circle. The first few times you hit the water with a stick, you might overcorrect. You'll find yourself zig-zagging a bit until you develop that muscle memory. But once it clicks? You'll wonder why everyone doesn't use one. It's like the difference between driving a bus and riding a motorcycle; you just feel more connected to the movement of the craft.
Installation and Setup Basics
If you're a DIY type of person, you'll be happy to know that installing an ezy glide stick steering system isn't a nightmare. It's a mechanical system, so you aren't messing with complex hydraulics or bleeding lines. Usually, it involves mounting the actual stick unit to the side of the boat and running the cable back to the outboard.
The most important part of the whole process is getting the cable length right. If the cable is too short, you're stuck. If it's too long, you'll have extra loops that create friction and make the steering feel "mushy" or stiff. You want a nice, clean run with as few sharp bends as possible.
Choosing the Right Model
There are different versions of the system, usually categorized by the "series." For most standard setups, the 840 series is the go-to. It's rugged, dependable, and built to handle the torque of smaller outboards. If you've got a slightly larger setup, you might look at the 870, which is built a bit beefier.
Maintenance Tips
One of the best things about these systems is how low-maintenance they are. But "low" doesn't mean "zero." You'll want to keep the output end of the cable—where it connects to the engine—clean and well-greased. Over time, salt, sand, and old grease can turn into a nasty paste that makes the stick hard to move. A quick wipe-down and a fresh coat of marine-grade grease once or twice a season will keep things sliding like butter.
Check your mounting bolts every now and then, too. Boats vibrate a lot, especially when you're running wide open across a choppy lake. Making sure the stick unit is still firmly bolted to the hull is a thirty-second safety check that can save you a lot of headache later.
Safety and Horsepower Limits
This is the part where you have to be careful. Ezy glide stick steering is designed for specific types of boats and engines. It is not meant for your high-performance bass boat with a 250hp V6 on the back. Most of these systems are rated for outboards up to 70 horsepower, though many people prefer to stay in the 40-50hp range.
The reason for this is torque. When you have a high-horsepower engine, the water exerts a lot of force on the lower unit. Because stick steering is a direct mechanical link, you're going to feel all that force in your hand. If you try to use it on an engine that's too big, the stick can be difficult to hold in a turn, or worse, it could be pulled out of your hand if you hit a wake. Always stick to the manufacturer's ratings. They put those limits there for a reason, and it's usually about keeping you inside the boat.
Is It Right for Your Boat?
If you have a 14 to 17-foot aluminum boat and you spend your time in "skinny" water, then yes, it's probably a great fit. It turns a basic utility boat into a precision fishing machine. It's especially popular with the older crowd or those with mobility issues because you don't have to jump up and down from a console to the fishing seat. You can stay in one spot, drive, fish, and move again without ever standing up.
On the flip side, if you do a lot of big-water crossing where you're dealing with heavy swells and long transits at high speeds, you might prefer the stability of a steering wheel. Stick steering is about precision and visibility at moderate speeds, not necessarily about crossing the Great Lakes in a gale.
Final Thoughts on the Switch
Making the jump to ezy glide stick steering is usually a one-way trip—meaning once people try it, they rarely go back to a wheel. There's a certain satisfaction in the simplicity of it. No pumps, no fluid, no complicated electronics—just a sturdy lever and a cable that does exactly what you tell it to do.
It brings a bit of that old-school "river rat" charm back to boating while providing very real, practical benefits. Whether you're trying to sneak into a secret lily pad field or just want to save some space on your deck, this setup delivers. Just remember to measure twice before ordering your cable, keep it greased, and enjoy the best view in the house from the front of your boat. It's a completely different way to experience the water, and for many, it's the only way to fly.