Minn Kota trolling motor questions

[Rojo]

I have a Ultrex new, I put on my boat but too heavy for my little boat bow. Took it right off. 24v 45in shaft. A little dust is on it from sitting in the Air Conditioning in my shop. Since I sell trolling motors I just bought myself a Motor Guide cable steer, 1/2 the weight. $2K

[ctfortner]

thanks all for the good info. I think everyone has confirmed what I was afraid of, I think the ultrex would be the best fit for me. I cant say if I would get used to remote use or not since I have never had one, but mostly like to fish docks, creeks, working pads, pockets, etc...don't do any trolling currently. I just think I will still be a heavy user of the foot pedal for what I normally do.

It all started because I just wanted spot lock and saw the terrova could be had for around $1400 give or take. It took some time but I had come to peace with spending that much or less to get it. But the down scan is something I don't want to give up, and really don't want to have to reinvent the wheel in order to get one mounted and cabled. Now having to jump to 2k or more is gut wrenching, but probably the way I will want to go if I decide to do it.

I have an 07 bass tracker 185, so I assume in order to get to 24v I will need to add a 3rd battery and probably have to upgrade my TM wire. I don't know what it is currently but assume its smaller than I will need. Does the old motor guide come off these trackers fairly easily, I do have a front access panel I can remove but my boat is not home currently for me to look at it. I am hoping I can access the bolts without too much problems

[ctfortner]

I have a Ultrex new, I put on my boat but too heavy for my little boat bow. Took it right off. 24v 45in shaft. A little dust is on it from sitting in the Air Conditioning in my shop. Since I sell trolling motors I just bought myself a Motor Guide cable steer, 1/2 the weight. $2K

will keep that in mind. I am not sure what shaft length I will need, i need to measure that and my boat is not home at the moment.

[Cray]

Something you need to keep in mind that we all failed to mention, the ultrex not only has foot pedal with electric assist but has remote and spot lock just like Terrova. Best of both worlds in my opinion. That’s one reason for added price. Getting a lot of bang for the buck.

[Rojo]

Yes, the Ultrex is a "Heel to Toe" "Power Steering" Foot Control and a I-Pilot Remote Control in one trolling motor. The foot control has spot lock buttons, cruise buttons, etc. mounted on it so the hand remote is not always needed. Also it automatically switches from one control to the other flawlessly. It is the most technologically advanced trolling motor Minn-Kota makes. Also has the U-2 built in transducer.

[Bricks]

I was a cable steer guy for umpteen years when I got my first Terrova I worried about the pedal change too, but with Ipilot it is a breeze to use. Now with my Ulterra and IPiolot Link I would never go back to something like an Ultrex, I can stand with both feet flat on the floor and just use my toe to steer just swing my foot back and forth with my heel firmly planted on the deck. No more getting hit by a rouge wave just when I pick my foot up off the deck to put my foot on the pedal or being locked to a leaning post, and having to catch my balance. Only down side is I have to glance at the head once in a while to see where it is pointed.

[Bricks]

I was a cable steer guy for umpteen years when I got my first Terrova I worried about the pedal change too, but with Ipilot it is a breeze to use. Now with my Ulterra and IPiolot Link I would never go back to something like an Ultrex, I can stand with both feet flat on the floor and just use my toe to steer just swing my foot back and forth with my heel firmly planted on the deck. No more getting hit by a rouge wave just when I pick my foot up off the deck to put my foot on the pedal or being locked to a leaning post, and having to catch my balance. Only down side is I have to glance at the head once in a while to see where it is pointed.

Here is how I mounted my SI transducer works slicker than poop on a pump handle. The only difference is I used boat wash down hose as it is a little bigger for the SI cord and has larger coils. Not my boat in vid but just copied it.

VIDEO0010.mp4 - Google Drive

[ppowell]

I use the US2 on my Terrova, the 2D sonar is all I need up front. Use downscan in the back to help locate spots (for example, brush piles) and then use the 2D up front to zero in on what I saw in the back but I see it in 2D sonar which is just fine.

[ctfortner]

I use the US2 on my Terrova, the 2D sonar is all I need up front. Use downscan in the back to help locate spots (for example, brush piles) and then use the 2D up front to zero in on what I saw in the back but I see it in 2D sonar which is just fine.

how do you get along with the terrova foot pedal, or are you remote only?

[ppowell]

how do you get along with the terrova foot pedal, or are you remote only?

I use both. Foot pedal when moving and casting from the deck and want both hands. Remote for all the other fishing (long lining, tight lining, trolling cranks, etc). One of the awesome things about this type of trolling motor is you're no longer glued to the front of the boat. I actually fish from all points of the boat now such as the back when long line trolling. With the remote you have a lot more freedom to move around and set up poles anywhere you want or fish from the back if it's closer to the spot you want to fish.

Edit: I have no issues with the foot pedal other than it's kind of easy to hit a button you don't mean to hit with my size 13 shoe, like hitting cruise control button when you don't want to.