Invest in a Minn Kota bow motor with "I pilot" ... it will steer the boat for you. I fish alone and never touch the other lines or the wheel when I hook up. Best money that I put into my boat.
Definitely the best setup. Both from an efficiency standpoint and a safety standpoint out on big water. Sure its a bit more expensive but may save you in the long haul if you are out often.
I troll the fingerlakes mostly in all types of conditions from flat to heavy chop in 10-15 MPH winds using an 80lb thrust Terrova with I pilot. I run my 115 Vmax SHO at idle at 2.2 to 3.5 MPH and the Terrova has no problems maneuvering the boat at all. (18' Starcraft ). I run just the bow motor when I want to keep at 2.0MPH or below