A unique website dedicated to fishing information from Florida's Northern Big Bend. This includes the area from the Econfina River west to the Apalachicola River
I'm in the same predicament, I found onlinemarine.com to have the lowest price on a 80lb Riptide w/ bowgaurd, and 3x steering.
Beat Cabelas, and BassPro, by $20 or $30.
Have not pulled the trigger...waiting on one of those once in a lifetime deal
I have had MK's for years. Tried a 80lb 3x on my last boat. Liked the fact that the head tilted up. But, the negatives were it was noisy when turned (bad in shallow water), and almost impossible to turn and high thrusts. So, your drifting quickly to an obstacle, you crank up and can't turn. Have to lower thrust, adjust and crank her back up.
Second, if anyone esle that was use to the older models, tried to steer your boat for you, look out! BD remembers mine and he would try to turn normally and the boat would be going backwards.
I have heard and seen many reports of problems with well used systems. My thinking is keep it simple. So,when I bought a new motor for my scout, I chose the standard model.
My buddy got a 3x a few months ago, and I would get used to it through out the day...but when I used mine the next time !!!
I can see your point about the cons.