What are those fancy trolling motors like? Are they worth buying?

[TOXIC]

12 hours ago, Alex from GA said:

I've been using a cable controlled trolling motor for a long time and would like spot lock.  Being on a fixed income I don't ever see a way.

As the early adopters change out, there are deals to be had on used units.  The fishing products industry as it pertains to electronics, trolling motors, and other big ticket items will always have buyers who want the “latest and greatest”. My electronics, trolling motor, and power poles were all purchased used because someone was “upgrading”.  

[Alex from GA]

I know what you mean.  My 9" Humminbird came from an upgrade as did my $1000 boat 5 years ago.

[fish'n Jim]

It's a matter of what U need vs want and can afford.   I've been running TMs since the early '80s.   I almost lost one in '90s on Lake Erie when a wave crashed the boat and the previous pounding loosened the bolts.   I had to harbor and lash it down to get to weigh in.   They've come a long way in reliability.   The old cable drives used to fail often but the combo w/ electronic now takes the strain off.   I used to prefer the Motorguides with the one push/pull cable.   They did not fail.   But as the power increased, they changed back to cables.   I switched to MK.   

I'm running MK Ultrex 112.   The one that was on it when bought, died and wasn't repairable.   I lost a day fishing - I was 2 hours from home had just got on the lake was fishn some docks and lost steering.   I always carried a spare when I tournament fished but they were only $1K back then.   I bought two new ones @ $3K a piece - OUCH!  (but + one brushless)   The new gen is much better in spot lock, etc.   I like that feature.   If you break off and have to retie and it's windy, you don't crash into the dock/shore/etc.  I do not use the other, constant on, north.   I do not interface with my electronics nor use the built in XDCRs.   I can see that if you fish walleye and troll a predetermined route, but not needed for bass.   I'm old fashion when I see the young guys launch their boats, then remotely steer it to the dock and take off, I shudder.   I've lost or almost lost my boat a few times after launch and had to retrieve.   It would've been nice to have those features, but I wouldn't rely on it - personally.   The wireless steer were crapolla.   I just saw the newest gen MK advertised are now brushless and more powerful so that's the future. 

I went to buy a new boat during unobtanium period COVID, and I was looking seriously at the brushless motors, but $5K a crack.   So even though they're robust, quieter, add a spare and you can almost buy another small boat or used car!