I was in the same trolling motor situation a couple of weeks ago.
Probably at the same BPS location. I went with the MK maxxum pro 80
with universal sonar. The US does make a cleaner installation and you
don't have to worry about pinching the transducer wire or knocking the
puck out of alignment on a rock. remember though, that besides the $80
for the option, you will also need an adapter for the specific
transducer you have. That was another $20 for the MK/lowrance. All in
all, US is probably worth the extra $ but if I had to choose between US
and the "lift assist" feature it would be no match. My 6yr old
daughter could deploy this motor all day long.

btw, since this is my first post I should probably introduce myself. I
live near Springfield TN, and usually fish JPP and sometimes old
Hickory.

Shane