Purchasing Minn Kota Ulterra Quest?....Be Aware!!

[@TN-Vols-Fan]

Thank you for posting this video. As a diehard Minn Kota man, I hate to hear this. Hopefully they make this right sooner rather than later. Keep making these videos.

[@dougmead7669]

Sorry you are going through this! I was about 2 seconds away pulling the trigger on this motor but was advised by someone at BPS to hold off and see what the reviews are!! I'm glad I listened! And went with the Ultra Quest. Hope this all works out for you!

[@Fishingguy419]

I’m so glad I saw this video. I was on the fence with this and the garmin kraken force. This video sealed the deal. Thank you.

[@gregmossing7185]

Thankyou! Was getting close to buying one and knew that they had problems with the old ones. Was hoping that they had made new ones more robust. Can deal with problems, but customer service needs to be good. I live 60 miles to closest service center, so it would not be easy to just take it there.

[@discoveryoutdoorskcfishing236]

Glad I saw this video. Not switching now! Thank you for the warning ‼️

[@steelerfaninerie]

I just bought a new Maxxum. I came close to buying a model with the power stow/deploy. I’m glad I stayed with the basic model. I hope this is resolved for you soon.

[@carlosavila6073]

I'm so glad I came across your video. I was so ready to pull the trigger on one just because of the 24/36v feature. Thinking I could add a 3rd battery down the road. I'll just buy an extra battery now and save some money on a different model. I was looking for 'how to' installation videos

[@tinbender8904]

Sorry about your problems with the trolling motor. I was going to get that exact trolling motor due to auto deploy. but after researching it, you’re not the only one that has problems and that’s why I didn’t get that one. I just got finished installing the ultrex quest, pain in the butt but it’s on and it’s a beast

[@misterb1492]

I have 3 ulterras, I bathe them in red grease and armor all the belts and they do still error now and then. My buddy has one and it deals him a fit all the time. I'm waiting for a few years before I upgrade, just because of issues like this. Thanks for the report and I did subscribe to follow how they treat you.

[@changievangie]

Sucks for Minn Kota. Used to have the old Ulterra and had nothing but problems with it. Was on the fence about getting the Quest but guess I'll be getting a Garmin instead.

[@ifishcatfish]

This is precisely why i bought a manual stow motor after my Ulterra. I didn't even have an issue with my Ulterra, if u can believe that, but i still suffered from paranoya after all of these videos. Now i have a Garmin Force that is very difficult to control on one hand, but on the other, after 3 years of heavy use, i haven't had one single malfunction. I was thinking about the new Ultrex from Minnkota, and now im thinking its too early. I will let them figure out the issues with the early batches..

[@jeffnelson1961]

Why difficult to control

[@tonysluss7008]

Thank you for this video, I was thinking very seriously of buying one of these. Not now, May look at the Garmin instead. Definitely no chance for the Ultera now. Thanks again. My uncle has a saying, "You only get one chance to make a customer mad "

[@marmadukedog]

I am thinking about buying a Minnkota Ultrex but not sure I like the idea of not getting good customer service. Nothing makes me madder than companies not taking responsibility for their products when they fail.

[@cryptojohnny7781]

Sorry for youre troubles I have the old Ulterra and have had it 4 yrs and I have never had any issue ( thank god) with it . I concider it a great product although if it never stowed i'd be pissed , good luck

[@michaelb2186]

Thanks for the info will have to shift gears now and go in a different direction.

[@DLPfishing]

Wow!!! In the process of purchasing a new boat this coming Friday glad you posted this I will reach out to my salesman first thing Monday and have him to put the Garmin on my boat thank you much not purchasing anything with customer service like that

[@FurtherNorth]

I'd go look on Garmin forums and groups first. There's just as many problems there.

[@joejatek2261]

Dang, Randy. Sorry to hear that. I've already decided to go with the Garmin Kraken for my big boat, and keep the Terrova on my jon for electric-only lakes. I don't need auto-stow/deploy (yet), the Garmin is actually pretty easy to work. Hope they take care of you soon!

[@glenndaugherity6187]

I’ve been a MinnKota customer forever and I’m very reluctant to buy one of these and I too am seriously looking at the Kraken or the Power Pole trolling motor. I guess the deploy/stow issues is why they’re the only trolling motor company to have that option. 👍👍👍

[@crappieworldlivescanner1114]

love my garmin force and i had a ultrex for 3 years .

[@bobczz3919]

I bought the 2018 Ulterra and had nothing but problems for the past couple years. I am sending my 2018 ulterra in for warranty repair and once I get it back I am selling it. I just purchased the new Ulterra quest and will be here in a week or so. I pray I don't have similar problems.

[@troutaholic8834]

Sorry about your experience with Min Kota. I’m finding customer service lacking across the board now these days. Many companies just bounce you around until you get tired and just go away. I’m surprised you were even able to get someone on the phone. Unfortunately, they use the technology to make reusable rockets, but appliances and other products to break and be replaced after a certain programmed period. The old business model of making a lasting product and providing good customer service disappeared years ago.

[@C.Fowler]

Thanks for posting….. I’ve been looking at these trying to decide what to buy. This may push me towards the Garmin….

[@827960]

I bought one that was 6 months old. The seller said he wanted to get all Garmin electronics. The warranty is void since it is considered a used model. Six months later, I had to have the board replaced at a cost of $600 out of pocket. When it works, it's good but it does not always works. I've had to reset it several times and hold my breath every time I go fishing. Would I buy one again, Hell No, buyer beware.

[@usmarine0352]

I've owned a Terrova then an Ulterra and never had any issues. Minn Kota customer service was always great answering my questions. I just ordered an Ulterra Quest for my new boat. I hope it works as well as the others. I think Minn Kota will get you fixed up. Good luck!

[@lelokong6898]

you can't say customer service is good, when yours didn't break down.

[@daren9721]

Ah man I just got mine, not installed yet! Sorry to hear, hopefully they'll get it done soon!

[@mking-cb7en]

Didn't have that trouble with my old Ulterra, did go down because of the electronic board had to be replaced. Not considering the new one because of your posts. Thanks

[@g-long]

I have the new Ulterra Qwest as well, and had it replaced for not deploying. "MOTOR ERROR". My Auth service center sent it back and got me a replacement in about a month. Yeah, it's not a great feeling after spending over $4,000 on this "new and improved" version. My 2nd one hasnt had an issue yet, but it's only been used on a couple of trips now...

[@troutmagnetman]

Only been out 4 times with replacement but so far so good.

[@bjzfishing]

Damn the literal stow issues are back. I was about to pull the trigger on the new quest. Thanks

[@offgridwhitetails8768]

I had this stow issue last season with my new/old Ulterra and all it needed was an update that I did on my phone

[@titansfan2104]

The ultrex is the only one i would buy after owning a terrova. I despise the terrova on my boat currently.

[@michaelb2186]

I hate mine too! Spot lock never worked and I’m looking to replace it!

[@Mattcruger]

Oh God hope I have no issues with mine… ugggg sucks you gotta go through this.

[@danlaur7973]

Buy a Fortrex or an Ultrex, they are easy to stow & deploy even for elderly person

[@Zoivod]

I wonder if the ulterra has a load limiter when it tries to stow ? It's possible it may be set too low. Just spit Ballin here. I would love to know what's causing the issue

[@EarlSChristy]

Due to plaque psoriasis on finger tips I've been out of action 7 years but am now able to fish. I run a 2003 model Maxxum 62" shaft. Sounds to me like I better hold onto it. I will not use FF sonar so that's not an issue for me. Would you agree with me? Last time out in 2014 I hired a guide to musky fish Lake & St. Claire & he had the newest Minn Kota @ that time & it was out of action after only a few trips out. I'm not mechanical, fishing buddies have passed on = I will fish alone. I live in fear of not being able to get TM up to get on trailer. Thanks & wish you much needed luck with MK

[@pain4profit267]

That emergency stow looks like it would help if it gets stuck deployed?

[@seanclancy619]

I am sorry to hear of your problem. If you purchased the trolling motor with your credit card, I recommend you dispute it with your credit card company and provide them all the evidence you disclosed in the video. This will force Minnkota or the vendor to help you or they will risk losing your money through a refund from your credit card company. I had a similar situation with a different product I purchased and the credit card company actually refunded me and I was able to use the proceeds to buy something else to replace it.

[@JamiecoreyL]

I agree with you, this motors are an awesome idea but that’s all they are , if anyone says they haven’t had a problem they full of it or just got lucky , I have ulterra nothing but problems, my son has an terrova nothing but problems an I know plenty of people that have them an they also constantly working on them , I’m not bad mouthing MINNKOTA just tell the facts from my experience, the ulterra emergency stow is a pain an nothing emergency about it , there should be some kinda quick release instead of what they have that is not simple while on the water

[@timhafley5177]

Thanks for your information have a friend that wants one. They cost way to much for all the problems. [

[@jonferguson7555]

Thats why I decided to go with the Kraken. I haven't installed it yet, but Garmin traditionally has great service and a 3 year warranty. Perhaps you can just get a refund?

[@jrlaymance]

My 100" Minn Kota Instinct Quest has failed on the 3rd trip , failed to deploy. Over $6500 with tax, used on 2 fishing trips

[@pointblankokc]

Glad I ran across this video. Over the last year I've had to deal with Minn Kota's customer service people as well. You are 100% correct. They don't care about their customers at all. I won't buy Minn Kota again. Trash company.

[@carolinacatsfish497]

i feel your pain brother. i had same issues with ulterra and minnkota

[@sforce54]

I feel your pain, I bought an Ulterra in 2019. It has been a big disappointment, like you MK Customer Service sucks. Luckily the local marina I take it too for repairs is standing tall for me. They have contacted MK and informed them of all the issues I have had with this unit and MK has agreed to send replacement parts to them so hopefully I'll be on the lake soon

[@Fishingguy419]

My concern was the stow issue

[@pistolcreek]

Hate you are experiencing issues with your motor, Randy. I hope you get a quick resolution and back on the water catching fish soon.

[@androidman73]

Thank you I was going to buy one this weekend

[@chadwilson6550]

Sorry about your misfortune. I got the 2018 model and I guess have been lucky. I just oil where I’m suppose to and have never had a problem.

[@walleyeca]

Im sorry your upset friend , I have The Ulterra from day 1 , and over all the years I have had not one problem!!! I run a Minn Kota service center here in Edmonton, Alberta and to be honest for the amount I see come in with stow problems , It did not stray me away from Buying the New Ulterra Quest !! I sure wish i was closer id like to have a peek and see what the issues are and see what is causing them! What does your local ASC warranty center say?? Is it a part not functioning? is it a power issue , Did you ask for a refund if you are that not happy? Have you since purchased another trolling motor ?? Tightlines

[@FurtherNorth]

I've had Ulterra trolling motors since they came out, with zero problems...as have many others I know...I'm left wondering whats wrong with your installation, or with your batteries?

[@troutmagnetman]

I’ve had them since they came out also. Many friends have had the older models also had tons of problems with them. Nothing wrong with my battery’s or installation. The certified service center couldn’t get it to work nor could they repair it. If you think that there have not been major problems with all these Ulterra motors you must have blinders on. Yes many have never had a problem, but just as many have had a lot of problems.

[@FurtherNorth]

@troutmagnetman I've heard of plenty of issues. Drilling down almost always reveals one of the following: 1) Abuse of the motor. 2) Failure to do the simple maintenance well documented and disbursed by Minn Kota. 3) Some sort of problem with the installation, usually related to the wiring, but I saw torqued motor frames as well. 4) Some sort of issue with the batteries - poor maintenance being the leading one, but poor choice of batteries being a close 2nd. As I said, I've had Ulterras since the first came out, and while I don’t abuse my equipment, it gets used frequently, and to its capabilities. I've helped install another 10 Ulterras, and know twice that many people who have them...I've only heard of one issue within that group that wasn't one of the above, and MK had the issue resolved and the motor back in less than a week.

[@MartyRodenNJ]

I am brand new to this what do you mean by poor choice of batteries?​@@FurtherNorth

[@MartyRodenNJ]

Was you issue resolved? How?

[@troutmagnetman]

It was resolved.....they sent out a new motor..

[@MartyRodenNJ]

@troutmagnetman thanks

[@jdalley5192]

The Kracken it will be for me. Thanks

[@raubism]

thanks for the information

[@jason21nl]

This is extremely concerning as I just bought an Ultrex Quest that was dead out of the box. Minn Kota won’t fix it and instead are sending a new one.

[@troutmagnetman]

Sorry to hear that. Did they give you a time frame? They can’t tell me when I will get a new motor.

[@jason21nl]

@@troutmagnetman a local dealer in my area is handling it for me. They were the ones that contacted Minn Kota and set up the warranty replacement. After seeing your video I’m going to contact them in the morning expressing my concern. The TM is showing out of stock online so my concern and frustration is growing.

[@jason21nl]

@@troutmagnetman as an update. My trolling motor came in.

[@Happy11807]

I had an older power drive,Motor worked good,but foot control kept breaking.SO THEY CHANGED THE CONNECTOR ON THE NEW ONE AND NO PARTS FOR THE OLD ONE.SCREW THE CUSTOMER!

[@bayoustateoutdoors9650]

Wow…..I was contemplating buying one

[@curtadams3281]

Not good! I have an older version Ulterra, so far so good...but I do like the idea of the brushless motor!

[@bingostar9207]

Things like this just plain suck. Especially when the companies won’t do what they should to make it right. This is not a small purchase! $4k should get you a quality product and service to go with it! Maybe you can get rid of it and get one of the power pole models? Maybe have better luck with them?

[@rickrick7309]

Thank you for the information

[@scottgarbs7761]

Minnkota is willing to risk the bad blood. They've got our money, and they think we'll give them more.

[@kava8902]

I bailed on Minn-Kota and got the Garmin Kraken. Minn-Kota/Humminbird are way behind Garmin. I know Minn-Kota fan boys will be upset but who cares. Continue to worship your inferior Minn-Kota.

[@George-j2q9g]

Minn - kota should trash them until there made right. I trash mine after being serviced 4 times

[@TheQuailtail]

Buy a Lowrance or a Garmin. Demand a refund. Don't screw with them. If there are motors at retailers they should buy one of them and have it shipped to you. I would wear their ass out.

[@stevezavitz4140]

These motors are nothing but trouble. Had mine for 2 months and have had broken plastic parts, stow issues. Remote problems etc. An expensive waste of time and money.

[@troutmagnetman]

My replacement is working ok for now. But I worry every time I go out on the water.

[@OscarSerrano-b2g]

That is why I didn’t want to buy it! The Ultrex quest in my opinion is way better.

[@miguelamatos1713]

Just bought one 5 days ago what a piece of garbage I regret buying this.

[@tomsellberg3558]

This is why I am not buying one!

[@raubism]

Crappie and whitebass biting on nickajack

[@troutmagnetman]

Good to hear for you! Hope all is well with family...yeah I miss Nickajack. Going to come back for about 10 days next year to fish the shell cracker areas.

[@raubism]

going in morning plan on staying daylight to dark have been working so much and ready to go.@@troutmagnetman

[@ifishcatfish]

i was on top of the dam last week and didn't catch jack.. U doing better than me..

[@thefall3551]

Ultrex or nothing

[@jimchambers7336]

They are pretty easy to work on and it is a real simple FIX just get in it they sent me parts and I had no problems doing the work a little bit of mechanical background you're good

[@titansfan2104]

I wouldn't work or change any parts on a 2 week old motor that cost 4500.

[@bigham1jb]

​@@titansfan2104I would if I wanted to use it. These are simple to work on. Nothing like rebuilding a cummins or an 18 speed.

[@jimchambers7336]

@@titansfan2104 well you don't want to fish to bad, do ya

[@5150Fishing]

Wouldn’t doing the work yourself invalidate the warranty? Most warranties I’ve had work must be done by certified technicians

[@Happy11807]

MORE MONEY,LESS SERVICE,RIDICULOUS $4300 for a useless boat anchor!