Trolling motor choices

[SC53]

Guys , looking for advise on trolling motors with some specifics. 

Foot controlled, spot lock and possibly with lift assist. 24 volt with 80# thrust. 

The most important feature I want is spot lock, followed by foot control. 

I’ve had I Pilot with the hand controller remote but that doesn’t work for my style fishing, hence the foot control. 

This will be going on an 18.5’ flats boat. 

Because of the front deck design, I cannot install a recessed pedal tray so foot pedal would need to be as low as possible. 
 

I have a bow mount hand operated Minn Kota 24V/80# with a foot button on it.  

 

And no I can’t afford a bass boat to make this choice easier ?

[Deephaven]

What brand of electronics do you run?  If it is Garmin or Lowrance I would buy a matching motor

 

[gim]

Specifically referring to Minnkota:

 

I was going to initially recommend an Ultrex but it has a cable drive foot pedal that sits up pretty high without a recessed tray.

 

So in your case, a Terrova or Ulterra would be the best choice.  They have lower-sitting pedals.  Just be aware that they are electric steer using the pedal so your response when turning will be slower than if you were using a cable steer like an Ultrex.

 

I would avoid the Power Drive model.

[Deephaven]

I can't drive the Terrova or Ulterra.  SO HARD to keep the boat straight.  My neighbors Reatta has one and I absolutely HATE it.  He uses a remote to drive so it is fine.  I have an Ultrex but am contemplating a Ghost as it syncs with my graphs better.

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2 hours ago, Deephaven said:

What brand of electronics do you run?  If it is Garmin or Lowrance I would buy a matching motor

 

Garmin up front.
I’ve looked at the Garmin Force and like it but pretty pricey. 

[InfantryMP]

6 hours ago, Deephaven said:

What brand of electronics do you run?  If it is Garmin or Lowrance I would buy a matching motor

 

This cannot be overstated. If you are going to make the investment then I would make the investment where you will be able to network everything together. 

 

With everything being expensive I would want to make the most out of what I can. I like the Ultrex and ran it last year. But with all new HDS units in my new boat, I couldn't fathom using the Ultrex over the Ghost. 

 

Even if you do not currently use all the features that you could have networking everything, you will still want the option to. It will be more expensive later to switch it. 

[SC53]

Agree MP. 
I really like the Garmin Force anyway being brushless and somewhat able to go into saltwater if needed.

 

[Functional]

the force has no lag with the foot pedal and you can adjust tension on heel/toe action.

 

The spot lock I will say has a delay. I've never used a MK or Ghost but if you hit spot lock and you havent been relatively stationary for 20-30 seconds it will always push you backwards first, almost like there is a slight lag in the GPS location and your actual position. The map always reads true but something with Spotlock has a delay. Once it spot locks you it does a very good job keeping you there and you can adjust how sensitive it is to keeping you in the same spot.  

 

It was purchased/updated as of July 2021 so if theres been an update that fixes this im all ears...its my only gripe with the TM. 

[Woody B]

I love my Terrova.  I notice no lag with the pedal even when compared to my old Edge. (cable).   The pedal has traditional heel/toe operation, as well as left and right buttons at the back of the pedal.