I do not use mine like that usually, but I had an outboard go out and mine got me about 6 miles back to the boat launch(it took a loooong time). I ran it on max the whole time, only a few breaks to fish areas that looked good. If you don't run it on max for trolling(I can't immagine you would) then you should be fine.

I have tried to do this and and can't come up with a solution other than this . I had to mount my transducer on a aluminum pipe and attached it on a swivel at the bow . I just can't see a way to mount it to the motor without leaving the cable loose except at the very top and bottom of the shaft. I will be monitering your question also to see if other solutions appear. To anyone who reads this that hasn't bought one of these PD's yet besure to buy one with a built in transducer . Actually if you read my review of this trolling motor you can see how much of headache the copilot system has been to me also.Yet I must say I'm still optimistic to see if the new I-Pilot system turns out to be a better system than the copilot is.I plan on waiting at least another year .

Yes, just lift it up. You use the head of the motor or the shaft to lift it, not a cord on these.

No additional hardware is needed. The bolts are long enough for most hulls.

You will need the copilot to go wireless.

The fuse size will depend on the size motor you buy.
I have the 45lb thrust model and themanual says use a 50amp fuse, so I installed a 50amp breaker on the battery post for it.

You will need the copilot installed before using the remotes.Luckily this is very simple(just two screws).As far as mounting the whole 9 yards I mounted it using the quick release bracket .I put four srews through the top. You will need enough 6 gauge aircraft grade copper stranded cable to reach your battery or batteries .Also a resettable inline breaker fuse 40-80 amps depending what foot pound torch motor you buy . Your directions will tell you which to get. You will also need a Plug in rated for your amperage if you want to mount on removable bracket like I did. This motor will mount pretty much on any boat with at least 20 inches of flat surface at the front unless you have a contour below the flat surface that extends out more than 6 inches maybe 8 inches but diffinitly no more than that.If you have this problem then you are going to fabricate some kind of extension plate strong enough to handle the torch of the motor. This motor can have both the remote and footpedal connected at the same time but you can only use one at time. I suggest that if you choose to install the remote system to get the hand held ones over the footpedal so that, not if but rather when the remote system fails you will have the corded footpedal handy. I've replaced my copilot once and two of the remotes .I need a new remote now but I'm not going to because really I like the footpedal better anyway. I'm really waiting to see if time proves the new I-Pilot system to be more reliable and if so I'm going to switch to the terrova with a built in transducer.Be sure to check out my review of this trolling motor . There is valuable info. about mounting a transducer on it.Good Luck!!!

A recommended motor size for a 20ft boat is around 74 lb's of thrust. However in super windy areas you may want to consider going to something with a little more push. The powerdrive V2 will not be able to support your boat. The highest lb's of thrust that it comes with are 70. Minn Kotas newest model of bow mount is the fortrex and would suite your needs as it comes in 80 lb's and 101lb's of thrust. Prices varry from 1100-1300 USD. Another alternative would be the terrova as it does come in 80 lb's of thrust at around 1000 USD. Both of these bow mount motors have pretty good features and can be found either online or from a catalog. The only other thing to consider from lb's of thrust would be shaft length size. Take a tape measure and determine how far down the transom of your boat is from the water. Your propellor should sit 5-6 inches under water. There is one other thing that you should be aware of when purchasing either of these bow mounted motors which is that they are going to require 24V batteries.

Hope this helps

Keep your compass pointed north

No. The plugs are different. Invest in the co pilot wireless remote system for the V2. Its a little bit cheaper and will have the appropriate plug.