If you can, get an Ulterra with self deploy/stow - your back and rotator cuffs will forever thank you. We can get 6-8 hours running under 1.5 with the wind - 2 27's. For more we use the kicker for power and the Ulterra to steer - good setup. You have to have autopilot to troll with it. The I-pilot is awesome. We have a foot pedal for backup and non-trolling style fishing. I think the foot pedal comes with the package. We have a 60 inch shaft and 70 LBS. Works fine with our 19 ft Ranger on Lake Erie. Longer and stronger is always good but not necessary in our case.