The best outboard tie bar kit depends on your engine arrangement, steering system, and required bar length. The Winibo kits suit twin outboards when an adjustable stainless-steel bar is needed; choose between two length ranges. The attwood kit is designed to connect a kicker to the main outboard’s steering. SeaStar’s kicker cable kit supports flexible kicker placement, while Sierra’s kit is intended for twin-engine, dual-cylinder steering setups.
| Product | Best For | Key Distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Winibo 670–900 mm | Wider twin-engine spacing | Adjustable stainless-steel tie bar |
| Winibo 520–670 mm | Shorter twin-engine spacing | Adjustable stainless-steel tie bar |
| attwood 11663-7 | Main outboard and kicker | Cut-to-fit zinc-plated rod |
| Sierra HA5520 | Twin-engine, dual-cylinder steering | Adjustable bar and drive bracket |
| SeaStar HO6134 | Flexible kicker positioning | Cable design allows independent trim and tilt |
Winibo 670–900 mm Twin Outboard Tie Bar
This Winibo kit is best for twin outboards that need a longer adjustable tie bar. Its stated adjustment range is 670–900 mm, and the product description says it can be adjusted before or after installation. Stainless-steel components are specified, and the bar is listed for twin engines using mechanical steering as well.
Choose this model if your measured setup falls within its stated range and you want an adjustable bar for a mechanical-steering arrangement. It was selected because the length range and steering-system detail help distinguish it from shorter universal options. A limitation is that it is not the right choice if your required tie-bar length falls outside 670–900 mm; confirm measurements and engine requirements before ordering.
Winibo 520–670 mm Twin Outboard Tie Bar
This shorter Winibo version is best for twin outboard arrangements with a required tie-bar length of 520–670 mm. Like the longer model, it has stainless-steel components and is described as adjustable before or after installation. The listing also says it can be used with twin outboards that have mechanical steering.
Choose this option over the 670–900 mm version when your measurements call for a shorter bar. It was selected because it offers the same stated material and adjustment features in a different range. Avoid choosing by appearance alone: the listed range does not cover setups requiring a longer or shorter connection.
attwood 11663-7 Kicker Motor Steering Kit
The attwood 11663-7 is best for boaters who want to steer a kicker motor using the steering wheel connected to the primary outboard. The kit links the main engine to the kicker with a 24-inch zinc-plated rod. Its connector rod can be cut to customize the fit.
This kit was selected for its specific main-engine-to-kicker purpose, which differs from a conventional twin-main-engine tie bar. Choose it if that steering connection matches your setup. The product information does not establish universal fit across all engine combinations, so check the installation requirements. Cutting the rod is a customization step and should be planned carefully before trimming.
Sierra HA5520 Adjustable Tie Bar Kit
The Sierra HA5520 is best for a twin-engine, dual-cylinder setup requiring a drive bracket and adjustable tie bar. The listed features include an anodized aluminum tie bar, a built-in maximum-stroke indicator, and a high-strength forged aluminum drive bracket. It uses the company’s Tournament-series adjustable tie-bar design.
Choose this kit if those bracket and stroke-indicator features fit your steering-system requirements. It was selected because it provides more than a bar alone and is specifically described for twin-engine, dual-cylinder use. Its stated configuration is more specialized than a basic universal tie bar, so verify that the kit suits your engine and steering arrangement before purchase.
SeaStar HO6134 34-Inch Kicker Cable Tie Bar
The SeaStar HO6134 is best for kicker-motor installations where a flexible cable allows the kicker to be positioned independently. The listing says it permits independent trim and tilt of both engines and allows full steering stroke for both engines. The kit is identified as 34 inches.
Choose this option when flexible kicker placement and independent engine movement are priorities. It was selected as a cable-style alternative to rigid tie bars and short connector rods. Confirm that the 34-inch kit and its routing suit the boat’s layout; the provided product details do not specify every compatible engine or steering configuration.
Buying Guide: How To Choose An Outboard Tie Bar Kit
What length do you need?
Measure the required connection length using the method specified by your engine or steering-system manufacturer. Compare the measurement with the product’s stated range. The two Winibo options cover different intervals: 520–670 mm and 670–900 mm. Do not assume that a bar can be extended beyond its listed range.
Are you connecting twin outboards or a kicker?
A tie bar for twin main engines is not automatically the right choice for connecting a kicker. The attwood kit is described for steering a kicker with the primary outboard’s steering wheel. The SeaStar HO6134 uses a cable intended to allow flexible kicker placement, independent trim and tilt, and full steering stroke.
Which steering and engine details should you verify?
Check whether your setup uses mechanical steering, a dual-cylinder arrangement, or another specific steering system. Confirm engine spacing, mounting points, and required movement with the manufacturer’s guidance. The Sierra HA5520 is identified for twin-engine, dual-cylinder use, while the Winibo descriptions specifically mention mechanical steering.
Should you choose a bar, rod, or cable?
A rigid adjustable tie bar may suit a fixed twin-engine arrangement. A cut-to-fit rod can provide customization but requires careful measurement before trimming. A cable-style kit may help when the kicker needs more flexible placement. Compare the product’s stated purpose and features rather than treating these designs as interchangeable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an outboard tie bar do?
An outboard tie bar connects engines so steering movement can be transferred between them. The correct design depends on whether the connection is between twin main engines or between a main outboard and a kicker.
Can a universal tie bar work with mechanical steering?
The Winibo product descriptions state that their twin-outboard bars can be used with mechanical steering. Confirm the exact engine arrangement and fit requirements before selecting either length.
Can a kicker motor be steered from the main steering wheel?
The attwood 11663-7 is described as connecting a primary outboard to a kicker so the kicker can be steered with the steering wheel. Verify that the kit suits the specific installation.
Why choose a cable tie bar for a kicker?
The SeaStar HO6134 listing says its flexible cable allows adjustable kicker locations and permits independent trim and tilt of both engines, along with full steering stroke.
Does a longer tie bar fit every twin-engine setup?
No. Length is only one fit consideration. Measure the required connection and check the steering type, engine arrangement, and product-specific installation requirements.