I agree with Papa Dawg. I used to have a standard troling motor. Now I have the autopilot. I wouldn't trade it for anything when it comes to trolling. I do shoot docks with it, but it was much easier when I had the standard cable style trolling motor.
Let me throw you another curve ball. Have you considered the I-pilot? I'm about to upgrade to one just because of shooting docks. It's supposed to lock you in on one spot so you don't even have to fool with the trolling motor while you're shooting. Just a thought.