I'm thinking an I-pilot is in my future

[cajun bill]

Did a search and found all the old posts on Ipilot and there doesn't seem to be any negatives so I'm seriously considering the 80# Riptide with the 60" shaft. I have a couple of questions: Concerning the "link" that I see offered that works with Hummingbird (I have a Lowrance, but I understand there is an adaptor for Lowrance), is the only advantage to that is to be able to follow the bottom conture? If so, I don't see much use for that in saltwater unless I might be fishing near channels, but I could see why it might be great in freshwater. Am I missing something?

Can the footpad be added later or must it be purchased at the same time? Lastly, it appears that the motor lowers itself into the water at the push of a button? If that is right, what about the pickup and storage?