If you troll for crappie, I would think you would want a foot control. I have had both foot and hand control in the past, both motor guide and Kota. I much rather prefer the foot control minn kota. I have bent many shafts on the MG. Never had a problem with the Kota and have almost wrapped it up under the front of the boat on stumps. My last boat was a 16/48 with a 40 HP. I was satsified with a Minn Kota that was 55lb/12V thrust. I now have a 19' Skeeter with a 74lb/24V Kota that is plenty for it.