Thanks Chas, I will probably do both, helps when perch ect on the fingerlakes but really looking foward to using it as a steer for auto pilot if it works. Im thinking im going to need a 60inch shaft from the way my boat sits out of the water but havent measured it yet. My boat is not that heavy <2000lbs so I wouldnt think I would need any more than 85lbs but not sure. Was hoping not to have to go with 24v only to stay away from having 4 batteries on the boat. When you troll and use it to steer is the thing running low , med, fast? or does it speed up on its own when it needs to track back to course? I will check on that sight you gave me as well.