I recommend checking your boat to see how hot she is running first. Then decided if you want to purchase one- depending on how you feel about running DRs at your current level.

Keep in mind, your natural voltage changes regardless... it is a matter of time. Check all your connections, zincs and DR wires frequently. It will help find "hot" spots (You'll need to change DR wires at least once every two years- depending on usage).

Research has shown that the fish are attracted to the electical current which will bring them closer to your gear. Depending on the salinity, this could be upwards of 50 feet! However for the Sound, the consensus is around 25 feet.

Secondly, there are times when you will want a lower voltage than the "standard" .600v. Large returning fish (30# plus) absolutely detest the higher voltages. Because of their size, they are super sensitive to the current. You'll want to run down around .500 to .530 for the biggins..

On the flip side, Blackmouth like a little higher juice. A rule of thumb is .001v for every foot of wire out past 100 feet. So if I have 180 feet of wire off the spool, my box is set to .680v

The best part is experimenting a little. Each boat runs a little different than the next guys...

Personally, I wouldn't be caught dead without one in my boat.