As a general rule, the fancier motor you get, the more problems are probable. A 5/2 speed hand controlled unit (I used to use a floor-mounted dimmer switch for off/on, if you can remember those) will produce a lot fewer problems than a GPS/auto pilot/remote/self-deploying unit.
Customer service isn't their long suit, and most times the closest service center is several states removed anyway.
And lastly, a dissatisfied customer is a lot more apt to write a product review than a satisfied one is, so factor that in too.
Don't know your boat or your application, but for a 14-footer, I'd think a simple $200 manual motor would work just fine. If you opt for remote control, get a foot-controller for shoreline fishing (warmwater) and a button-type remote for open lakes.