What do you guys have? like/dislike? Im thinking about going with the rachet reverse rather than spending the 1500 on auto reverse.

Both will function the same. The hydro would be easier if you use around the boat dock and what not. If you are only using it when you have to (stuck, or in an area to tight to turn around), the manual works well. Its not hard to use at all

I was wondering if spending the 1500 is worth it but it doesn't sounds like it. I think Im going to go with the the manual.

all I can say is if you have the extra $1500 laying around just spend it, b/c in the long run you will end up wanting it and you may not have the money available later.

I agree. If you have the money get it. I'd use my reverse a lot more if I had the hydro.

As others have stated, it comes down to cash. They both work. One is easier, but you pay for that convenience. If you want it and can afford it-get it.

Its only an extra grand cause the rachet reverse cost 475.00.

I have the ratchet and its works for what I need.

I see a lot of people with the ratchet reverse that never use it for general maneuvering, only when they are stuck. I'd go with the hydro, I think you'll use it more 'cause it's easier.

that makes sense, now I'm thinkin I might save up the extra money and go with auto reverse

auto is worth the extra grand if you can swing it... you'll use reverse a lot more because of the convenience.

If it was available when I bought my Prodrive I'd have probably gone for it. Now, spending that money isn't going to happen (2 kids in college).

It's pretty easy just to manually ratchet the reverse around. You're gonna love FPR.

My next one will have it. I use one now w/o hydro and find myself not using the rev I do have ecspecially in deeper water. I convienced the wife that my new motor will only be 1000 more not the 1500.

Its worth it.... Im thinking about adding it to my motor to keep from f ing my paint up at the dock. Plus where I live the tide and waves can be a problem when trying to manuever around at the boat ramp by your self.

mc,
If there is one thing I learned personally from purchasing my second Pro-Drive, it is that you might as well get what you want now if you are debating on it at all. I have had the manual reverse on both of my motors and had manual trim on the first as well. When I got ready to buy my second, I debated, much like you appear to be, as to whether or not to get the manual trim or hydraulic on my second rig.

I didn't. 6 months later...

I did and it was one of those, kick yourself in the pants for not doing in the first place kind of things. Like everyone else has basically said, if the cash is there, go for it. Either way, FPR will make you a happy man in the end! Now, I have to save some Ca$h to get the auto reverse!!

Yea what you guys said is true, I've decide to save up the money and go with the auto reverse and trim. If I don't Im sure it will be one of those "wish I would have things". I've already been through my "starter rig", now I'm looking to sell it and get one I will keep for a while. I might as well go all out right! By the way my wife thanks you guys for helping me spend the extra $$

haha, promise to teach her to run it and then let her know that the auto reverse will keep her hands clean in the mud...might get you a few less days of yard work!!

i definitely see where this is a good thing for around docks or in areas where the bottom is open, but i'd like to hear some real world experiences of using it when you're stuck in a cut (or actually when you've missed the cut!) with thick mud and vegetation. using the manual one, at times i've had to bear down on the tiller to crank the lower unit around. is the hydraulic pump strong enough to get it around in the really heavy stuff?

bump

("is the hydraulic pump strong enough to get it around in the really heavy stuff?")

I'd like to know the same thing!!!

If it didnt cost so much i would put it on mine.

I see it like this. Thats 1500 bucks for me since I already have the racheting reverse, for 1500 bucks I can do a lot of racheting. If i ever go with a Center console I will have it. As long as Im on tiller, I will rachet