Rich,
I have the Minn Kota Riptide with Auto Pilot that you fished with me earlier with. It has been great for me, some mentioned about not quick enough in waves but you can get a foot controller for it. I bought foot controller and have only used it 3 times, once you are used to the remote you don't need it I would save your money on that. I take mine in the ocean and 7-8 foot waves and still never broke out the foot controller so in my opinion it's not needed.
If you can squeze the budget or find a good deal on Minn Kota Auto pilot you will be happy for sure. The AP makes life a lot easier.