The MinnKota Ulterra – Don’t Touch It Unless You Wanna Hug It By Bernard Williams

Every now and then something comes to market in the fishing world that astounds me. I mean it literally blows my mind. Well guess what; the MinnKota Ulterra Trolling motor did and does just that. The idea of not having to stow or deploy a trolling motor seems like something you’d see on Star Trek. Using a remote control to adjust the trim depth for changing conditions is just unbelievable. This thing handles all the busy work, so I can focus on fishing.



Now let me go over a few of its amazing features:

• Auto Stow & Deploy – lets you get your motor in and out of the water automatically using the i-Pilot or i-Pilot Link remote or the redesigned foot pedal.
• Power Trim – Once the motor is deployed, Power Trim lets you easily adjust the motor depth for changing conditions. No more collar adjustments for shallow water or high-waves.
• Redesigned Foot Pedal – The foot pedal has new buttons that let you stow, deploy, trim and activate Spot-Lock in addition to speed and steering controls. It comes with an 18’ cord that allows you to move it from the front to the rear of your boat.
• Ulterra i-Pilot Link – i-Pilot Link lets Ulterra and your Humminbird Chartplotter talk to each other; you can control the Ulterra from the remote or the Humminbird Depth Finder. You now have the ability to follow depth contours, retrace your tracks or return to waypoints.
• Ulterra i-Pilot – If you don’t need the i-Pilot Link; you can select the i-Pilot System. It uses GPS to remember fishing spots, paths, control your speed, steering, cruise control, spot-lock, stow/deploy, and Power Trim. The i-pilot remote contains all the features of the link except the Humminbird Depth Finder Link.
• Universal Sonar 2 – Integrated and protected transducer provides interference-free sonar, water temperature and dual beam sonar. Compatible with most major fishfinders.
• AutoPilot – Lock onto any heading you choose and AutoPilot delivers you there. It makes automatic steering adjustments and corrections against wind, waves and current.
• 112 lbs. of Thrust – Stronger than ever; this is the only motor on the market that offers 112 pounds of thrust. Combined with the Digital Maximizer; the Ulterra provides up to 5 times longer run time on a single charge. You don’t waste battery power thus extending your fishing time.
• Weedless Wedge 2 Prop – Push weeds away and take on thick stuff without draining your battery.
• Indestructible Composite Shaft & 2-Year Warranty – Stronger than steel; it flexes on impact and has a lifetime warranty. Minn Kota backs this motor with a two-year warranty.

I call it an “Ole Man’s Trolling Motor” because it allows the elderly and disabled to enjoy the Ulterra Trolling Motor. I have an 82 year-old uncle that loves to fish by himself. I get so fearful for him deploying the trolling motor and falling in the water. I’ve insisted he equip his boat with an Ulterra for my piece of mind and his safety. I honestly think this technology will permit more people to share our love for fishing.

If you haven’t seen the Minn Kota Ulterra video; it shows you how launching your boat by yourself can be the coolest thing about your entire fishing trip. Whether you’re a crappie, bass or inshore redfish fisherman; the MinnKota Ulterra has revolutionized fishing with its hands-free technology. You’ll spend more time fishing without having to control a foot pedal or adjust the collar for depth. If you think electric steer can’t compete with cable steer; better think again. This motor has so many advantages over cable steer there’s no reason to have any doubt. It conquers all the obstacles to become the best trolling motor in the history of fishing in my opinion. Once you see it in action; it’ll have you saying, “I’ve got to get me one of those”.