Same song, different verse: Extend the motor, if you choose, but generally if something is gonna happen to the motor it will happen while it is still in factory warranty......generally. After that, upgrade everything you can----TM, Depth finders, etc. Tracker will never over-engineer ANYTHING. I bought an '02 TX-17 used and upgraded most everything and it fishes just fine for my limited use (dang it!). Wish it was a little wider, but it will be next time. And you guys are right....next time it will most likely be a Lowes or something stronger built. But for now.........