Trolling Plates vs. Kicker

[sherman51]

I think you'll be much happier with the kicker motor. much better boat control better gas mileage and a backup if your main motor ever fails. I used trolling plates for 30 to 35 yrs and used about every plate that came along. and by far the best plate out there is the easy troller. I have used 2 stroke kickers and they did the job but never had the money to invest in a new 4 stroke. but the kicker did give me better boat control than a plate. but now the boat that I have has a mercruiser 350 315 hp. and my older brother paid for an auto pilot on my boat so I don't use a kicker at all any more. but I use bags now to slow me down. they give better control and less surges in waves than any plate.

[pimplepounder]

One tow bill or a worse condition would be more than enough reason for me to go with the kicker, regardless of trolling speed. I have a kicker, but now I use bags also. That time you need another power or even fuel source on big water is priceless in my humble opinion.