Troll-A-Matic Trolling Plate

[EYES R US]

Has anybody had any experience with the Troll A Matic trolling plate. I was given one with the boat but I question how much it interfears with steering control when your trying to dock or load. Also does it really stay down enough to help. I have a 70hp that I would be using it on. Or does it cause any problems with exhaust?

[L.M.G.S]

I had one on a 40hp Mariner and it worked so so. It did make loading and backing more difficult but once you get used to it you will be ok. It worked well for trolling in lakes with no current but on rivers with heavy current it would prematurelly swing up due to increased throttle needed to go against the flow. It also made navigation in real shallow water much more difficult and I would have to remove it when bass fishing. Lots of pros and cons. I guess the bottom line is that it is tough to replace the need for a kicker motor with a trolling plate. Good luck.
Loren Waalkens