I have a 20' 4Winns with a 185 Merc/Alpha1. After chatting the other night, starting to think about outboard so's I can fish more. 3 is what I prefer for fishing comfortability, 4 can be done but comfort goes to the pooper. 1 at the wheel, 2 on the rods and rotate pretty much rotate every fish unless the double occurs. (tripple gets ugly, no one drives, boat does circles) I think its perferct for towing/big laking/little laking etc etc etc. I have 8 rods but like the 6 rod spread. Occasionally maybe run 7 but I like the comfort of 6.