Ultrex on Bass Tracker 190TX

[zildjian]

Hey Guys,

 

 I’m consodering purchasing the Minn Kota Ultrex TM for my Bass Tracker Pro Team 190TX. Undecided between 80lb vs 112lb. At the moment I only have the Stock trolling motor that came with the boat, which is 12V 54lb thrust Motor Guide. 

 

I know once once I move to a 24 or 36volt system I’ll have to add extra battery(s) and new on board battery charger but I wanted to get some opinions between the two options. My storage is tight to add even a third battery for the 24v system. But I can defiantly move some things around to make it work.

 

Thank you guys in advance!

 

-Zildjian

 

 

[8pt172]

I had the Motorguide 24v and recently upgraded to the Ultrex on my G3 deep v. I stayed with the 24v because of battery room and the boat was wired for 2 batteries. Last year I fished all day and never ran out of power on big water with lots of wind. As we know the new digital motors draw very little compared to the old motors. If I had a larger fiberglass boat I would definitely go with the 112. But the 80# is more than enough for an aluminum boat.

[J Francho]

Only the windiest of days did I ever feel like I needed more than 80 lb. on my 18' Xpress, and even then, it was probably too rough to really be out.  I also have an 80 lb. on my 21' 10" Bullet and have no issues, though it's a glass boat, it weighs less than the Xpress by a few hundred pounds.  You should be fine with an 80. 

[Further North]

I've had 36 volt Minn Kotas on my last several boats - 18 ft. Lund Pro-V, Crestliner Pro-Am 1750 and a Crestliner CMV 1850 for the last 4 seasons.

 

I upgraded from a Terrova to an Ulterra two seasons ago.

 

I'd not go back to a 24 volt system for a lot of reasons, but there' are thousands of very happy 24 volt customers out there...hard to argue with that.

 

Your boat is much shallower than any of mine and should be fine.

[8pt172]

17 hours ago, Further North said:

I've had 36 volt Minn Kotas on my last several boats - 18 ft. Lund Pro-V, Crestliner Pro-Am 1750 and a Crestliner CMV 1850 for the last 4 seasons.

 

I upgraded from a Terrova to an Ulterra two seasons ago.

 

I'd not go back to a 24 volt system for a lot of reasons, but there' are thousands of very happy 24 volt customers out there...hard to argue with that.

 

Your boat is much shallower than any of mine and should be fine.

I agree, if you have room in your boat and it's easy to rewire for a 36 volt system, I would go with the beast 36v. Just like in outbound, always go with maximum.

[zildjian]

 Looking now to see if any fellow tracker anglers has ever suscessfuly installed four batteries on these trackers?

 

 If you own a tracker you know the Fuel/Battery compartment is really tight to start. I could probably squeeze a third battery without any modifications, but I want to be able to add four batteries in total for a 36v system. I also have two single storage compartments behind the passenger and driver seats. Wasn’t sure if they would be an option to drop a battery into and drill through for wiring. 

 

 as far for on board battery chargers and re-wiring for the ultrex, what size wire and chargers do you guys recommend? my tracker was built in 2011, I believe my gauge wire is 8ga. I was thinking about installing a recessed foot pedal plate, but not sure which plate would fit the ultrex best, any ideas would be great.

 

thanks in advance!

 

[zildjian]

Just got my boat back from the marine mechanic, and I’m THRILLED with how everything  came out. Looks and fits perfectly! 

 

https://www.flickr.com/gp/141561989@N08/iv8ms8

https://www.flickr.com/gp/141561989@N08/m7Vw69

https://www.flickr.com/gp/141561989@N08/4J1z2e

https://www.flickr.com/gp/141561989@N08/6SaLEE

https://www.flickr.com/gp/141561989@N08/n6P3kG

https://www.flickr.com/gp/141561989@N08/7R8V9T

https://www.flickr.com/gp/141561989@N08/U0i2Eg

[Further North]

Looks great - If I'm seeing that correctly, you went with 24 volt (I am assuming the black battery is your starting battery.)  Should work fine.

[moguy1973]

I'm guessing its ok to mount the charger on the gas tank? ?

[zildjian]

6 hours ago, Further North said:

Looks great - If I'm seeing that correctly, you went with 24 volt (I am assuming the black battery is your starting battery.)  Should work fine.

Thank you! Yeah upgraded from 12v to 24v System and I absolutely love it right now. The charge time is very fast with the new 30amp charger, and this 80lb Thurst is more than enough for my bass tracker.

2 hours ago, moguy1973 said:

I'm guessing its ok to mount the charger on the gas tank? ?

Yes, I was concerned about that when I first saw it. My guy is a very reputable marine  mechanics shop owner and  said it’s perfecrly fine, and he has been doing it for years. 

[Further North]

23 minutes ago, zildjian said:

Thank you! Yeah upgraded from 12v to 24v System and I absolutely love it right now. The charge time is very fast with the new 30amp charger, and this 80lb Thurst is more than enough for my bass tracker.

That'll work.

 

As much as nuts like me talk about going to 36v, most boats like yours will be just fine with 24v.  I looked up the specs on your rig and you draw less water, are narrower, and have to move less weight than I do.

[zildjian]

9 hours ago, Further North said:

That'll work.

 

As much as nuts like me talk about going to 36v, most boats like yours will be just fine with 24v.  I looked up the specs on your rig and you draw less water, are narrower, and have to move less weight than I do.

I was debating hard on the 112lb Thurst 36v as well, but had barely any room for a third battery let alone a 4th with a 36v setup. I just took the boat out yesterday for the first time with the new 80lb Thurst and I was shocked at how perfectly it held me in heavy wind. and it is extremely quite. I also have a power pole which I’m considering possibly removing for more fishing and storage compartment clearance. I just don’t think it’s needed anymore with this trolling motor. But this Ultrex lines me up in heavy wind like I’m on a concrete dock. I love it