Questions about trolling motors... $3 Grand Ultrex

[Matt Eisen]

Hello everyone, I'm a first time boat owner and I have to buy a new trolling motor for my boat. Is it possible to buy a trolling motor with the "Spot Lock" ability without having to dump another $3 grand on an Ultrex? The company/ brand isn't that important to me... I just want to know what kind of trolling motor models are out there that can do the spot lock thing, and those that are perhaps cheaper (ie Motor Guide). I know the Ultrex does, Im pretty sure theres a "power drive 2" from minn kota does as well but that also seems top of the line... What about a Fortrex? Can a minn kota edge do spot lock? 

 

Thanks for clarifying

[Dens228]

Motorguide XI3, XI5...................

[K1500]

2 hours ago, Dens228 said:

Motorguide XI3, XI5...................

This

[jbsoonerfan]

I have a Terrova that has spot-lock. The spot-lock works great, I just don't like the way you have to stow and deploy it.

[Russ E]

Not sure which ultrex you are pricing.

A standard Ultrex 24 volt 80 pound thrust  is$ 2300.00 ,nearly anywhere that sells them.

I have used a lot of trolling motors over the years. For the price it doesn`t get much better.

 

 

[Matt Eisen]

1 hour ago, jbsoonerfan said:

I have a Terrova that has spot-lock. The spot-lock works great, I just don't like the way you have to stow and deploy it.

I appreciate this suggestion thats in between the $1 and $2 grand price range but I still like the idea of something cheaper like a motorguide xi3 or xi5. Thanks for the suggestion though! maybe I can find a used one at the right price

1 hour ago, Russ E said:

Not sure which ultrex you are pricing.

A standard Ultrex 24 volt 80 pound thrust  is$ 2300.00 ,nearly anywhere that sells them.

I have used a lot of trolling motors over the years. For the price it doesn`t get much better.

 

 

All I'm concerned with is the spot lock and I can't stomach the idea of spending $2400-$2600 on an ultrex (almost a third of my boat) when I can get away with the motorguide xi3 for sub $1,000. Then theres the xi5, and or I can look into a Used Terrova. Thanks though!

[Way2slow]

Anything much cheaper than those suggested is called an anchor.

[Junk Fisherman]

The Xi5 has been great for me. I have seen the 80 lb thrust on sale for around $1500.

[slonezp]

They're all good. Electric steer motors operate differently than cable steer and take getting used to. The Ultrex is a hybrid between electric and cable 

[GaryH]

Matt, Not sure if you have electronics or if your going to but keep that in mind so the TM will match up with them. Good luck on your search.

[Dens228]

I'm fighting the urge to replace the Bixby on my kayak with an XI3 with Spot Lock.  Oh how much easier things would be.

[Matt Eisen]

On 10/23/2020 at 9:23 AM, Dens228 said:

I'm fighting the urge to replace the Bixby on my kayak with an XI3 with Spot Lock.  Oh how much easier things would be.

I know the struggle all too well that's what pushed me to upgrade to a boat. I started out with the kayak, and although it has its perks; it sucks getting blown around in the wind. Check out the Power pole micro for $599 retail if you're looking for alternatives. It isn't a trolling motor but will keep you in place no problem in the shallows. Has replaceable battery packs and works like a dream

 

On 10/23/2020 at 8:10 AM, slonezp said:

They're all good. Electric steer motors operate differently than cable steer and take getting used to. The Ultrex is a hybrid between electric and cable 

How so? What are the advantages and disadvantages of both?

[gim]

18 hours ago, Matt Eisen said:

How so? What are the advantages and disadvantages of both?

 

There are two kinds of steering out there.  Cable and electric.

 

Most traditional bass boats use a cable steer.  It has a faster response, it makes less noise, and generally doesn't fail as often as electric steer.  The cable steer models minn kota makes are Edge, Maxxum, Fortrex, and Ultrex.  The Ultrex is the only cable steer model that comes with spot lock and ipilot capabilities.  Generally the foot pedal is bigger and you have to use it in close proximity to the motor.

 

Electric steer models are generally designed and used by deep V boats, such as walleye anglers.  They are louder and don't turn as quick.  Electric steer models minn kota makes are Powerdrive, Terrova, Ulterra, and Riptide (saltwater).  They are all capable of using spot lock and ipilot.  They have a smaller, lower profile pedal and you can move the pedal around the boat because they have a longer cord.

 

By no means do you have to use a cable steer on a bass boat or an electric steer on a non-bass boat.  They are all interchangeable.  You should use what you think will suit you the best.  If you look at bow mounts on professional bass boats, almost all of them have and still use a cable steer model.  For years, there was no cable steer model available with spot lock or ipilot capacilities.  That all changed a few years ago when they introduced the Ultrex.  So now they get the best of both worlds.

 

I've used both electric and cable.  I prefer cable steer in a bass boat.  That's just my preference.

[K1500]

My first (and only) trolling motor is and Xi5. The spot lock is great, track lock and cruise control is also wonderful (when it works). The wireless foot pedal isn’t my favorite, but I haven’t given it a real fair shake. The remote is fine, but I have to take my hands off the rod quite a bit. I can see the benefit of a responsive cable steer. Spot lock is absolutely wonderful.