Re: hot foot
Growing up, every boat my dad ever owned had a Hot Foot. He is an outboard guy through and through. The first boat I ever drove was a Skater 18 with a 200 Merc.
Recently I puchased my own boat which does not have a Hot Foot, and I miss it. I am sure this is partly because it is what I am used to, but I miss it nonetheless.
One thing I really like about it is the ability to have both hands on the wheel and adjust speed simultaneously. Where we boat can get rough at times, as most places can, and I am still a bit weary of letting go of the wheel to adjust my speed. It is also worth mentioning that my boat is on the smaller side of average for where we boat, so the wake I am navigating does push me around on the busy days. I guess in most situations I feel more "in control" with the Hot Foot than without.
I do not think there is anything wrong with the standard throttle, and with time you can master navigating rough chop while adjusting speed when necessary. IMHO however, the Hot Foot is something you might appreciate.
As far as using them goes, after getting a feel for where it is, it is pretty natural (assuming you use your right foot). Just like a gas pedal in your vehicle. One thing to point out is that when you are getting banged around your whole body is being jarred, including your foot, and in my experience it is common to increase/decrease throttle unintentionally. I guess that would be another con.
Should you install I am guessing you would like it. If you don't, it looks like they are fetching a good price on eBay
