Well I have a maxxum 80# hand control 52" shaft on my sx180 since 2006 still going. Ive fished fork at least 150 days a year maybe more lol. But i want fortex but $

TM's are all about preference, and one set-up while perfect for one man will be totally wrong for the next. Some desire all of the bells and whistles offered by both MK and MG, these are all well and good until they start to malfunction (and they will) and your without a TM at the most inopportune times with no repair shops in sight. Others choose simplicity in operation which minimizes the amount of things that can go wrong and maximizes dependability. Try out as many as you can before making the 1k+ investment then pick your poison, good luck.

I have an 80# Fortrex and love it, no issues at all. Cuts through grass and pads way better than the MotorGuides I've had.

Whatever voltage and thrust you choose, just make sure it's a Minn Kota.

The only problem is that Riptide you referred him to is not a hand control model. It's one of those not-good-around-saltwater electric steer motors. I personally don't care for electric steer - it consumes power and can fail. The model referenced does not have a Fortrex mount either.

If you don't like a foot control, do yourself a favor and buy the MG Xi5 wireless trolling motor. They are awesome, easy to control with remote, will run courses and tie into Lowrance electronics, and the anchor lock feature will hold your boat to less than a 5' radius. Fishing became much more enjoyable when I made the switch.