I use them. I have no problems with mine. I have an 18 foot Triton aluminum boat and it's got to be too windy to fish for it not to hold. It is all about the length of line you have out and you have to play it a little. There's some work involved, but nothing is free and you get out of it what you put in it.

I can put mine out and play it a little and figure out just how much rope to put out. When I get it set, if the wind dies a little, I can bump my trolling motor to get me moving. I haven't said it, but I use mine when trolling (spider rigging) or when I'm catfishing on the river. Be careful which lakes you drag it in as you will drag into peoples brush piles. I use mine in lakes like Reelfoot and have no issues with it.

I'd be glad to talk to you on the phone and explain how I use mine if you like. If so, shoot me a PM and I'll send you my number.