Great Trolling Motor....same problem as you guys with deploying...I came close to falling in the lake a couple of times so I came up with something that helps me. In my old boat, I sat close enough that I could push it with my foot, but the boat I have now I cant do that,so I have a steel pipe to put in between the foot of the motor and the bracket and use it as a lever and it works great.....Either way, I wouldn't be without it...Also try Hodges Marine Electronics - Marine FishFinders, GPS, VHF, Radars, and more! for some good prices with only $6.95 for shipping....I gotta try that "Driving it out of the water" technique