Fl 2 Manual or auto?

I want to buy a Freelander 2, and can't decide if a manual or auto would be the better choice.

The main issue is that I will tow my boat with it, that is 1000kg (2200lbs) and the ramp where I launch it is steap, (gravel and rocks) so low range would be nice, a Vitara should be the logical option, but I do like the freelander alot so I will go with it, but i can't decide if the manual or auto will to better in this situation. Auto will probably feel easier, but since I get my boat in and out 10+ times a year I am afraid of how the auto will handle that.

I use the freelander (auto) to haul hay bales out of the field which has a long steep slope on it, trailer is 150kg, 8 bales of hay at 60kg each and it handles it without even flinching, not quite 1000kg but the ease that it handles it I would think 1000kg is easily with in its limits.

I have a FL2 manual, and a R40 Tourer Auto, personally i would say go with the Auto no clutch to burn out towing up steep hills, or in your case the ramp where you launch it with the steep slope, gravel and rocks,

I have a boat which weighs 1250kg, I prefer the manual because you can rev the engine and dump the clutch if you are in a sticky situation, also when stuck in soft sand you can rock back and forward in first/rev quicker than in the auto to get out of the ruts, just my opinion but my fl1 td4 has never let me down yet, just make sure you have decent off road tyres fitted.