I have a MinnKota 30lb thrust, also a 5hp 4stroke outboard. Both are fine for 99% of the time, but that 1% I wish I had that extra umph. It's a tradeoff, $$$ or that extra umph. But an electric trolling motor is far more usable around here and if thats the only motor you have go with all the umph your $$$ can afford. Check craiglist for some deals, you could probably do better than Cabelas. Electric motors are really pretty simple so theres not a whole lot that can go wrong, so testing it would likely expose any problems.