Redfisher736 and Coffeenut, I too have a 170 (sportsman though) with a Minn Kota Riptide autopilot (soon to have co-pilot)12v, 55lb thrust, 52" shaft,Minn Kota quick-release mount with Ram trolling motor stabilizer and a Odyssey 205 minute reserve AGM battery. I love everything about this setup except the corded foot pedal. I hold the pedal in my hand to control motor functions because trying to sit and use the foot pedal is too difficult. When the co-pilot gets installed next spring it should be perfect. The thrust and shaft length is good even in the wind, the autopilot helps out when fishing alone (just point, click, and cast or troll),the battery last all day using the motor constantly, the ram mount and quick-release are good for theft control and a solid motor ride, and the riptide is necessary for the corrosiveness of the local water I fish. Better to have too much than too little as far as power and shaft length are concerned. Personally, I did not want to overburden the boat with excessive weight and wiring complexity with a 24v system. Love the Minn Kota's (have two) and will let you know on the Motor Guide when it gets installed next spring on my other boat.By the way, the installation is pretty easy, the hardest part is drilling the first hole, after that it's a piece of cake! Don't go nuts with drill after that first hole (it can be addicting like paper shredding). Hope this 1/2 cent worth helps.