Garmin Reactor 40 Autopilot Help

[dubob]

Is anyone using the Garmin Autopilot on their kicker? I'm in the market for a new boat and I want to know more about the Reactor 40 before I buy. I'm having a hard time finding a dealer or someone here in Utah who knows about the Garmin Autopilot. I'd like to know more about the pros and cons of a tiller kicker vs the cable controlled kicker with this system? Do you have to remove the rod from the big motor every time you use the autopilot? Which kicker would be better with the Garmin? Did you install yourself or is there a qualified installer in Utah? I troll a fair amount and sometimes my batteries don't last on my electric so I'm looking for options. I hear the Ulterra motor takes even more power so the trolling time is diminished. I even thought of just using a Minnkota ipilot and adding a second set of batteries with a switch to extend time on the water? Has anyone tried this? Any ideas on the best way to be able to troll all day into a breeze without manual steering would be appreciated!

I have not used my 9.9hp kicker for steering in about 6 or 7 years.  The connecting rod between main and kicker has never been disconnected in my last 2 boats.  I push straight ahead with the kicker and steer up front with the electric.  I have only depleted my electric batteries twice in the last 10 years.  My electric is 24 volts and I use 2 Delco AGMs to run it.  I do use an iTroll to control the speed of the kicker with much greater efficiency.  I'm told that the newer lithium options are much better than AGMs in both life and day-use longevity.  But as in almost every other facet of life, you get what you pay for.  Lithium batteries that cost under $800 are very likely to be junk in short order.  I would recommend you give great consideration to spending your money on lithium batteries and steer your boat with the electric up front and just forget about all the steering options for your kicker.  But that's just me.  Best of luck on whatever you decide and tight lines always.