Planning to get a trolling motor for my 18' c/c bay boat ... wondering which brand and model i should go with ? Heard good things about the minn kota, but most of the dealers i've spoken to carry the great white and stand by that? I like the looks of the Minn Kota better and it seems to be constructed a bit nicer. Any opinions/experience?. I'll probably go with a tiller control 50-52 inch - not sure if i need the 24 volt system or not? Also, should i go with the 5 speed or variable control - I've heard that the riostat (sp?) can go out on the variable models... any feedback is greatly appreciated!