I think they told you wrong. I tried the remote with the footcontrol and didn't have any trouble at all. I just use the remote now but carry the foot controll in case the battery in the remote dies. The only complaint I have is that when you are trolling it is so quiet that you can't tell if its running or not. Crappielimits is right, you're gonna love it. If I sold my boat I'd keep the Terrova.