re: Nautic Star 214 XTS Shallow Bay - any info/thoughts on this boat?

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I really like the idea of a t-top but would be worried that it would get in the way. As a lifelong ginger, I never shy away from adding shade to a situation. Any issues with space on a 22' boat. Is the back deck still fishable (for a non-retard)?

I see you have a power pole along with the ipilot. What are your thoughts on the ipilot while fishing in the marsh? Seems like it would be great to use around small platforms with deeper water where getting the anchor to hold could take a little time. Conversely, I'm wondering if there are issues in the marsh where quarters might be a little tighter.

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I'm almost 50, been in the sun plenty, and still work in the sun somewhat. I take shade when it's available. I LOVE having that t-top. The shade is usually cast to one side, and its usually easy to fish in the shade if you want to. I even found myself getting under it in December.

Does it get banged with a rod sometimes? Yes.
Is it a pain for storage? Yes.
Does it cost money? Yes.
Would I sell mine? Nope.

The back deck is very fishable. It's not uncommon for two of us to fish off the back deck.

I'm guessing your iPilot question is strictly about the Anchor function. My friend operates it more than I do, but know this... if you click Anchor, its going to try to hold itself (the motor) within about a 5' diameter circle. It cant keep the boat straight if the wind is blowing... We typically only use the Anchor function when it's too deep for the Powerpole (which for us is greater than 6'.)

The iPilot is cool because of the remote control. No foot pedal in the way, you don't have to sit down to operate a foot control. You can control it from anywhere in the boat (but IT IS harder to drive the boat from the rear deck)

Of course when you're using iPilot anchor, youre using battery power too. This hasn't been an issue, but it always occurs to me.

Space issues? This is a hard one to answer. We've fished 6 people on this boat a few times. Usually this involves a few "rookies/kids". This can get hairy, but its not like we're tournament fishing at that point (or ever.)

4 adults fishing is no problem. Even 5 occasionally isn't an issue. Someone is usually tying bait or getting a drink or just chillin out for a few mins.

In reality, ask yourself how many people are you USUALLY gonna fish on your boat?

ETA: I say "we" a lot because I literally own this boat with a friend. 50/50. If you can figure this arrangement out with a friend, I recommend it.