Minn Kota Ultrex for 16 Ft Boat?

[Steak91]

I have an Aluma Craft Classic 16 (16 foot boat).  I would like to replace the Minn Kota Powerdrive tolling motor that I currently have with an Ultrex, primarily to have both spot lock and foot control.  The Ultrex is obviously much larger than the Powerdrive.  Has anyone installed an Ultrex on a 16 foot boat like this?  Is an Ultrex too big for a boat like this?  I believe the Terrova would have spot lock and foot control and appears to be smaller than the Ultrex, but obviously it doesn't have all of the features of an Ultrex.  In short, I would rather have an Ultrex.  Curious if anyone has had any experience or thoughts on this.  Thanks.

[3dees]

can't see how size or weight would make much difference. maybe on a 12' johnboat, but your boat should have no problem. personally, I'm happy with my Fortrex for half the price. go for it.

[jbmaine]

I have an Ultera on my 16+ ft. Lund and based on my experience the larger TM on your boat should be OK. However, two things to think about. The larger TM + extra battery, batteries in the bow will make the boat slower to come up on plane and add to the trailer tongue weight when towing.

[Further North]

An Ultrex would be fine on your boat.

 

Not sure how a Terrova would be smaller, other than the foot pedal being thinner.

[PECo]

19 minutes ago, Further North said:

Not sure how a Terrova would be smaller, other than the foot pedal being thinner.

The Terrova mount is much shorter in length than the Fortrex/Ultrex mount. For that reason alone, I’d choose the Ultrex. The larger mount is waaay more robust. However, there are other reasons to choose the Ultrex over the Terrova. The Ultrex cable steer pedal is much more responsive than the pedal on the Terrova and, if you’re already used to a cable steer motor, it’s a no brainer. Plus, it has a smaller footprint than the Terrova’s German pancake of a pedal.

 

I learned to use a trolling motor on a cable steer Maxxum. When I had a Terrova, I hated the pedal so much that I only used the handheld remote. Now that I have an Ultrex, I use the pedal and never use the handheld remote.

 

The Ultrex truly is the best of both worlds; cable steer with electric steer capabilities.

[Further North]

5 hours ago, PECo said:

The Ultrex truly is the best of both worlds; cable steer with electric steer capabilities.

That's what I've heard.

 

I went to an Ulterra instead, for the power trim.

 

Much more important to me.

 

 

5 hours ago, PECo said:

The larger mount is waaay more robust.

After 7 seasons with Terrovas and an Ulterra, and having a bunch of friends with them, none of which get babied, I'm wondering what anyone is doing that the mount needs to be more robust for?

 

5 hours ago, PECo said:

Plus, it has a smaller footprint than the Terrova’s German pancake of a pedal.

  That's preference.  I prefer the wider, much lower Ultera/Terrova pedal.  I don't care for the "Pirate stance" required for most cable steer trolling motors.

 

5 hours ago, PECo said:

The Ultrex cable steer pedal is much more responsive than the pedal on the Terrova and, if you’re already used to a cable steer motor, it’s a no brainer

I guess I get this, but "responsive" isn't something I need, the way I fish.

 

There are just as many reasons to pick an Ulterra or a Terrova as an Ultrex...depends on what you do, all three are great.

[Vilas15]

8 hours ago, Further North said:

After 7 seasons with Terrovas and an Ulterra, and having a bunch of friends with them, none of which get babied, I'm wondering what anyone is doing that the mount needs to be more robust for?

On a 60" shaft I could see how things would get beaten up with the motor bouncing around if you trailer long distances very often. Can't say I've actually heard of any issues but I've got a ram mount stabilizer that attaches near the head for traveling to prevent any possible problems.

[Further North]

2 hours ago, Vilas15 said:

On a 60" shaft I could see how things would get beaten up with the motor bouncing around if you trailer long distances very often. Can't say I've actually heard of any issues but I've got a ram mount stabilizer that attaches near the head for traveling to prevent any possible problems.

My Terrova was a 60" shaft, as is my Ulterra.  Tighter as a tick, and I don't use a stabilizer.  Gets towed at least once a week during the season, about 20 miles each way on average, plus three or four long trips.

 

All the Terrova's my friends have are 60" shaft models as well.  A couple have stabilizers, most don't.  I don't see any difference.

[PECo]

11 hours ago, Further North said:

17 hours ago, PECo said:

Plus, it has a smaller footprint than the Terrova’s German pancake of a pedal.

  That's preference.  I prefer the wider, much lower Ultera/Terrova pedal.  I don't care for the "Pirate stance" required for most cable steer trolling motors.

That’s what the pedal tray on the front deck is for. And the Terrova/Ulterra pedal won’t fit in most of those.

 

You seem awfully defensive about your choice of trolling motor. Nobody’s attacking your choice. We agree that “to each his own”.

[Further North]

27 minutes ago, PECo said:

That’s what the pedal tray on the front deck is for. And the Terrova/Ulterra pedal won’t fit in most of those.

Lots of boats don't have those...

 

27 minutes ago, PECo said:

You seem awfully defensive about your choice of trolling motor. Nobody’s attacking your choice. We agree that “to each his own”.

Not defensive.  Just trying to lay out some objectivity regarding these comments:

 

17 hours ago, PECo said:

The Terrova mount is much shorter in length than the Fortrex/Ultrex mount. For that reason alone, I’d choose the Ultrex. The larger mount is waaay more robust.

17 hours ago, PECo said:

The Ultrex cable steer pedal is much more responsive than the pedal on the Terrova and, if you’re already used to a cable steer motor, it’s a no brainer.

 

17 hours ago, PECo said:

Plus, it has a smaller footprint than the Terrova’s German pancake of a pedal. 

Seemed sorta like there was some pretty harsh criticism going on there...wanted to provide an alternate view...

 

 

My first comment stands....

18 hours ago, Further North said:

An Ultrex would be fine on your boat.

@Steak91 should indeed buy what he likes best, but should see both sides before they make the decision.

[PECo]

13 hours ago, Further North said:

Seemed sorta like there was some pretty harsh criticism going on there...wanted to provide an alternate view...

My intention was humor, not harshness. I’m sorry about that.

[Further North]

Nothing to be sorry about...you were being honest about your perception.

 

Me too.

 

PS: if the Ultrex had power trim, I'd have one.

[sully420]

They all work great and will fit on you're boat. Just think about the battery space you have and get the biggest you can fit and the mist power and thrust you can support with your battery space available.

[jbuchanan]

I know this thread is a tad old, but I was searching about Ultrex and 16' john boat opinions. 

I too am looking to upgrade TM. I am looking to go from my 12v MK Terrova to a 24v MK 80lb Ultrex. I was wonder if OP did the upgrade and how it has been going or any other's experiences. I too am tad concerned of the overall room it will take up or if it will be somewhat similar to the Terrova footprint. Obviously the Ultrex is going to be bigger but a lot or not as much as one would think.  I believe my Terrova is 45" shaft and the Ultrex I am eying is a 52". Reason I am more interested in 52" is I can swap it to bigger boat down the road if I upgrade boats in future. 

I know the additional battery weight is also a concern. Right now I am running a Group 31 AGM for TM and Group 27 Wet for starting/electronics. With the boat only being 16' would Group 27s be sufficient for the Ultrex or should I look at min Group 29s. I am not one to worry about speed. I have run 3 batteries in it before (2 in parallel to help TM last longer), sat the back in down a little but boat ran fairly well. I do have a 60hp Merc 4s pushing this boat. 

 

Any suggestions / experiences / advice is more than welcome

 

Thanks in advance