Must I use planer boards for walleye?

I spent the weekend at Erie (8/10,11)- run out of Walnut. Trolled 58 - 70 FOW with several rigs- worn harnesses, sticks and spoons. I used dipsy divers at 3 and 2 respectively along with a "flatlines" off the back with 2 3 oz weights at 50' back of leader- using reef runners out to 250'

I ran the 3 dipsy between 125 and 145, and the 2 dipsy between 75 and 95. Marked fish in the 40 to bottom. Checked rods every 30 min, a lot of white bass.

It is just my son and i, no autp pilot only used planers on a charter. Do I need to make the leap? I live in Harrisburg and running out for weekend zeros is tough. Also my son 15 is not enjoying the trips, especially when we see boxes of 'eyes The dock. The boat came with boards, seem intimidating.
We slay the perch.