I have a PowerDrive 55. In terms of raising and lowering, I haven't had any problems. It is pretty easy. I did like having the smaller cord instead of a big cable bundle.
I actually chose not to get the universal sonar. I was not only worried about service, but didn't want to have to add an external temp sensor.
I'm actually glad I didn't since I have since sold my boat but kept my motor and electronics. I just bought an eight foot pontoon kick boat, and actually found a way to mount the bow mount powerdrive on the rear (55# motors it!). I added the Copilot remote control steering. It is awesome for the kickboat. I wear the control as a watch, and it works great. I don't carry the foot pedal at all. If you did that, you would have ZERO cables.
Good luck.