Hi WD! Here's how I look at it. Who has mechanics all over the world even in the jungle,euro,siberia,usa,artics and has parts even new old stock 60 years old? Somewhere someone has parts. HONDA! Can Merc's boast the same? About the variable trolling speed, headway is control even n at 1mph. Dead drift has no control. Just my 2 cents. I own theEvinrude cause it was new old stock and cheap. Congrats and have a wonderful time with your new water rig.Tony