trolling motor question cable vs electric

I am looking to purchase a new trolling motor. The choices I have narrowed down to are a bow mount Motor Guide pro series 46lb with cable operated pedal ,a MinnkotaEdge series 40lb. with cable or a Minnkota V2 power drive which is a 40 lb and has electric cord instead of a cable cord.The Minnkota cost about 60 dollars more.Which is better cable or electric.The other question I have is how long a shaft do I need.I have a 1991 Sylvan 16 ft deep V. The motor guide I'm looking at has a 50'' shaft. The Minnkota comes in a 48''shaft.

danny
i had a motorguide with the electric steer and the thing i didn't like was i had to look at the arrow all time to know how much i was turning,with cable i never have to look at it.go with the longest shaft you can always adjust it shorter in the bracket for shallow water.Measure the the mount braket to the waterline on the boat and decide from there.

What kind of fishing are you going to do? The cable is better for casting, quicker response, the cord is good for the kind of boat you have, you can sit anywhere and still have a comfortable casting system. Get the long shaft you can adjust them up, or down, if your shaft happens to be too shoert, you are screwed.I justbought a cord model, because of the arthrityis in my ankles, and since I am used to slower response time cause I had an auto pilot before, I can adapt,but there times I miss my cable system, you always know how fast it will respond and its tracking is better, my cord always needs to be adjusted for casting position, but if I am crappie fishing with several rods out, it is great.Get the most thrust you can afford, my boat is also a deep vee and you will need that extra power in the wind.

[quote]if your shaft happens to be too shoert, you are screwed.[/quote]no doubt..:D

Thanks for the input. I haven't decided yet but all the information is very helpful. Probably will go with cable because of faster response.

I see there are pros and cons to each.

We just can't have it all can we?

actually there are very few pros to the elec. steer, MANY people have had problems with the heads busting off and all kinds of other crap, get the cable steer, if it aint broke.....dont fix it!

I had a Minn Kota power drive. The circuit board on the foot pedal went out 3 times. Same thing happened to our boats in Canada. Get a cable type