Scott Bonnema Answers Your Questions About the New Minn Kota Ultrex

What does power steering mean on a cable-steer trolling motor? Do you need a Humminbird fishfinder to use Ultrex? How will Spot-Lock change how I fish? Fishing legend Scott Bonnema answers this and more through this in-depth look at the new Ultrex trolling motor from Minn Kota.

[@TRUONGSPORT]

In general, the TI units are faster in response to inputs. This is seen when quickly switching between sonar, downscan, chart, and split screens kzbin.infoUgkxeAxH15LxhjGlg5-CRYqjTGTEH0tbY4vk recommend The Hook units will show some lag on button pushes and screen switching. The big ticket item though is maps. If you install a mapping card such as Navionics or the free C-Map Genesis which has a lot of map detail, then moving around the map with the cursor or when running down the lake can lag significantly on the Hook units, but is seamless with the TI units.

[@DrGargani]

excellent presentation!!! you took it from the most basic of steps and worked your way up, explaining clearly , everything along the way...you have a great speaking voice and came across wonderfully..thank you!

[@davesmith5425]

Scott and Mark Fisher are great fishermen and genuine nice guys.

[@jimknowles5483]

I need a complete system. I want to buy MK....! I am waiting for your wonderful electric motors to be brushless...! As a cabinet maker I use cordless tools all day long. I was shocked at the "double run time " of the brushless screw guns..!! Unbelievable....they just run and run.....even with old batteries! Besides no brushes wear out! They are wonderful! You make an outstanding products! ! Can't wait to give you my money...! Thanks just jim

[@kanenfauntleroy8520]

Talked to hummingbird today and they are making a kit to adapt the original 360 to the ultrex. Available in June

[@leefauntleroy237]

Thanks for the feed- back. The 360 for the ultrex has a longer shaft than for the fortrex. Do I need to go to the 52 inch ultrex shaft to accomidate it? I would rather not. Thanks Lee

[@leefauntleroy237]

With the 52 inch shaft fully extended, will the head rest on the slide or stick out when retracted? In other words do you have to pull the shaft up in the bracket before retracting? Thanks Lee

[@MinnKotaMotors]

Hi Lee - No, you do not have to pull the shaft up in the bracket before retracting. The motor can be stowed with the shaft set at its deepest length.

[@marvin41ful]

Does this one have the sonar puck that has to be installed also? Or is it all in the head of the unit?

[@cadenhutchinson5750]

Does this work with the first generation KVD humming bird helix 9’s

[@DavidWencilOutdoors]

Do you think the 360 transducer on an Ultrex needs an additional support? I was going to add an aftermarket brace since Humminbrid dose not offer one for the Ultrex.

[@MinnKotaMotors]

Hello, The MEGA 360 shaft is designed to flex and absorb the shock that the transducer endures while mounted to the boat. Adding a 3rd party brace actually limits the shaft's ability to flex and absorb shock. Our recommendation is to use without a brace, but using one will not void your warranty, as long as you do not physically alter the MEGA 360 pod or shaft. Thank you

[@marshalllaw4116]

I have the terrova but the transducer in the terrova isn't compatible with the HD Hummingbird depthfinders,is this also the case with the ultrex? I also went to buy the 360 but left BPS without it because it also wasn't compatible with the terrova. love my terrova except for the above mentioned which really aggrevated me to no end because you'd think it should have those two capabilities.

[@MinnKotaMotors]

Hi Marshall, Thanks for your question. On our website you can view a list of compatible fish finders. www.minnkotamotors.com/learn/technology/trolling-motors/universal-sonar-2 We would like to get some more information to help you figure out the best combination of equipment for you, so we invite you to call our Customer Service team at [phone]. Thanks, and happy fishing.

[@samlolley6010]

Is there a way to shorten the shaft on the ultrex?

[@dannymayorga1560]

I'm thinking about upgrading the trolling motor on my boat. What's the main difference between the ultrex, ulterra, and the terrova? I really like the spotlock idea and all three of them have that capability and so I was wondering what's the main differences between them?

[@MinnKotaMotors]

The main differences between Ultrex, Ulterra, and Terrova are the style of the mount and the foot pedal control. Ultrex closely resembles our line of cable-steer motors like Fortrex, Maxxum and Edge. These types of motors use a cable driven system through the foot pedal that manually controls the motor steering. However, Ultrex is equipped with power steering that eliminates the steering torque and gives effortless responsive steering. The responsive steering is the style usually desired by bass fisherman trying to get in and out of very tight areas on the water. It is also equipped with our scissor style mounting bracket with lift-assist to make easy to pull in and out of the water. On the other hand the Ulterra and Terrova motors are in our line of electric steer motors which utilize an electric motor for all of the steering functions. There is not cable in the foot pedal so they uses a set of contacts in the pedal that when stepped on tell the motor to go left or right. The main feature of Ulterra is the Auto Stow/Deploy and Power Trim that makes sure you never have to pull your motor in and out of the water. This type of motor (electric steer) is the preferred motor of most walleye and multi-species anglers. Both models are equipped with our GPS technology of i-Pilot or i-Pilot Link that includes a hand held wireless remote control as well. Terrova is similar to the Ulterra in terms of mount and electric steering. However it does not feature the Auto Stow and Deploy or Power Trim. It does feature a Lift-Assist mechanism which significantly reduces the effort to stow the motor, however this process would still need to be done manually.

[@jrjohnson9932]

Sensor and control board goes out often. Problems I regret buying one. 😢

[@billroberts9385]

My spot lock disengages itself whenever the motor turns itself 180degrees , is this a indication of a weak battery? It a 36v 112

[@davewahlig9203]

I run Garmin units in my boat! Is there enough room on the motor to install the transducer?

[@MinnKotaMotors]

Dave, Yes, there is room to mount an external transducer on the Lower Unit of the motor.

[@jacobanderson4101]

Any recommendation for cutting electric interference on 2d sonar?. Never got this on my older minn kotas but getting it bad with ultrex and internal transducer

[@MinnKotaMotors]

Hi Jacob, Perhaps this FAQ can help: bit.ly/2GwhG44 Thanks!

[@skwira000]

My dad currently has I-Pilot Link on his pontoon with the original Terrova. Sometimes when there are very sharp turns like a U turn on the contour line or when I tell it to reverse navigation, I have to watch out for the cord wrapping around the shaft too many times. I see when you manually drive the Ultrex it only does 380 degrees. My question is, when the Ultrex is on follow the contour, does it have the same 380 degree restriction as it does when it is manually driven via the cable steer foot pedal?

[@MinnKotaMotors]

Yes - we've built the ability to recognize this into all of our new i-Pilot and i-Pilot Link systems, so it will automatically unwind the cord from the shaft and won't wind around multiple times.

[@skwira000]

Minn Kota Motors I want to say I bought the Terrova BT for my Lund Rebel XS and still see the same wrap around. There’s no unwind and it will continue to wrap tighter and tighter. Overall the boat control is great over the pontoon. I think the power cable steers are the way to go.

[@skwira000]

Minn Kota Motors spot lock unwinds but the other modes don’t. Basically if I ever throw any more money into this, I’m looking for these things. Fix the wrap around. Make lake master more accurate around weed edges. Don’t get me wrong I love following the contour but I won’t buy another lake master chip until weed edge contour lines are more accurate. Last is if you make a system where you have a bow and transom system working together for even better boat control.

[@kingben1327]

My boat is small but I have the ultrex, can I use it with remote only without hooking up the foot pedal?

[@MrLshot]

How much more does the Ultrex weigh than the fortrex. 80lb 45 “? My boat is small and don’t know if can handle the Ultrex over my fortrex.

[@jbreeezy715]

Just got a new 2017 Ulterra 112 and it won't deploy! It will stow after I manually deploy it. I have read that alot of people have had problems with there magnets falling out but I checked and the magnet is there. I also cleaned off all battery connections and it is reading at 38.5 volts. I don't know what else to do. Please help

[@MinnKotaMotors]

We are sorry to hear you are experiencing difficulties with your new Ulterra. The troubleshooting process to help resolve your issue is best handled by speaking with one of our technical service advisors. We would be happy to help you if you would call us at 800-227-6433, M - F, 7AM to 4:30PM, central time.

[@kerryburgess2566]

How do you mount a transducer so that the transducer cable does not wrap around the shaft? Does that shaft have a slot for a transducer cable?

[@MinnKotaMotors]

Kerry, Can you please private message us with you serial number so we can see what model you have. Thanks!

[@jaycollins6778]

I have a Humminbird Helix 10 GN2 with Mega SI/DI....can I install it on this trolling motor with the long transducer I have? Thanks!!

[@MinnKotaMotors]

That depends primarily on what model of motor you have. Some models and features are less conducive to external transducer mounting, You can email through the website, or call us, or private message us on facebook to discuss further. Thank you, Mike N. Tech. Service Rep.

[@richardwarmack287]

I want to purchase an Ultrex 45 inch 24 volt with I-pilot to replace my Fortrex unit. The boat dealer I use told me I can get one with I-link, but the I-pilot only is on backorder. I hate to spend an additional $400 for the Ilink model, seeing my current Humminbird will not work with it. Will the Ultrex Ipilot be available soon, is it something I could get them to backorder, or it is something that just will no longer be available?

[@MinnKotaMotors]

Richard, We are building and shipping the motors everyday. The motors we are shipping are going to pre-existing orders. I would recommend you get the motor on order. I do not have a way to tell you how long it would be. Best regards, Brenda

[@Twoonele]

How do you drop and bring up the trolling automatically?! Can’t find a tutorial or instruction for this?!?

[@carlgilpin5895]

the ulterra does that. this is the ultrex

[@MrDartmart]

i really wish they could work with lorance

[@MinnKotaMotors]

Hi Chance - Ultrex comes pre-installed with one of two i-Pilot systems: i-Pilot or i-Pilot Link. The standard i-Pilot system does not have the ability to connect to a fishfinder, so you can actually use the i-Pilot system with any brand of fishfinder or no fishfinder at all. You still get all the standard i-Pilot features such as Spot-Lock, Advanced AutoPilot, the ability to store and retrace trolling paths, control your speed, steering, etc. You just can't use i-Pilot Link features such as Follow the Contour, or control your motor from your fishfinder. The i-Pilot Link system is the version that connects with a Humminbird fishfinder for these additional features.

[@ExzaqtlyRight]

That answered my question i get my boat In March and im definately going to make the switch to this

[@RJfishgolf]

When will Link work with Lowrance?

[@Pastroodle]

More than likely never. You have to have a Lakemaster chip along with a Humminbird unit to use Link.

[@tonyt.7560]

Hello Scott. Can the cable steer foot pedal be removed on the Ultrex if you want to exclusively use the remote? Thanks

[@MinnKotaMotors]

Hi Tony - Since Ultrex is a cable-steer motor, you aren't able to remove the foot pedal as you might be with an electric-steer motor. However everything you can do on the pedal you can also do with the remote, so you can use the remote exclusively if that is your preference.

[@jasoncampbell8797]

Tony T. If you only want remote, get the terrova.

[@jasoncampbell8797]

Tony T. The manual is actually a big advantage though. It’s much more responsive when needed.

[@edwardbarkowski3944]

My Spotlock cuts out every now and then. Are there updates for this Model

[@rickgoheen285]

Does the link to Humminbird allow the Ultrex to auto follow depth contour lines?

[@MinnKotaMotors]

Yes - one of the features specific to the i-Pilot Link system is the ability to connect to the Humminbird unit to follow depth contours. The Ultrex in this video comes with the i-Pilot system, which does not connect to the Humminbird. Motors pre-installed with i-Pilot don't have the Follow-the-Contour function. We offer Ultrex motors installed with both versions of the system. You can learn more about the i-Pilot Link system here: www.minnkotamotors.com/Product/i-Pilot-Link-BT/

[@WolfKillerLestat]

@@MinnKotaMotors will it follow depth Contours using humminbird solix and navionics chip..I live in Ireland and navionics covers all areas I fish..also is their a salt water version of it thanks..

[@MegaMikey1969]

I have two .minn kota trolling motors and after setting idle fo a year or so they do not work??? PleSe assist Thank you.

[@adaigle1982]

Caught three fish in a row and never moved using spotlock, no other technology in the world could do that except 1.Poperpole 2.Talon 3.Blade 4.ANCHOR!!!🤣

[@jholaday595]

First, there isn't an anchor that will keep a boat in one spot in even light wind. Second, the power poles are limited to a certain depth, The spot lock works at any depth and in most wind conditions at a cheaper price than even one power pole.

[@adaigle1982]

@@jholaday595 man bring that spotlock down here to south louisiana and try to keep your boat in 6 inches of water with 10 mph tide in the marsh. Aint gunna happen. Geeze i was just pokin fun anyway

[@Fischize]

My spot lock will not calibrate. I followed the directions for initial set up. Pointing the TM parallel or straight forward isn’t working. All electronics are unplugged so there isn’t interference. Anyone have an idea to fix this?

[@MinnKotaMotors]

Fischize, Did you go out on the lake and drive the 2 circles?

[@randallstevens4784]

I recently got a new ultrex, the underwater motor is whisper quiet but the electric motor on top is very loud and in spot lock if it is a little windy is very loud and is constantly spinning around, I think it is spooking the fish. Why is it so loud ?

[@MinnKotaMotors]

Hello Randall, The Ultrex steering motor should also run quietly. If it is louder than it should be and/or is behaving erratically, we would advise the unit be seen by an authorized service provider. Regards, Mike N.

[@frankrogers9945]

I wonder if there will be any type of firmware update in the future for any Lowrance units for the navigation or the linking with the Lowrance graphs

[@Pastroodle]

Highly unlikely.

[@keithharvey4950]

Can you get this unit without the transducer

[@thedude8237]

I have noticed that bass boats with ultrex that the white puck is close to the troll motor. But on bay boats like mine with terrova the puck is in the back of boat. What is the reason for that?

[@MinnKotaMotors]

The Dude, It depends on the Dealer that installs the motor and puck and where the boat has room to mount the puck. There is not a specific reason other that it has to be 24" from anything that is magnetic or ferrous material or wires that have high voltage going through them and has to have clear view to the head of the motor. Thanks!

[@thedude8237]

Minn Kota Motors Thanks for the reply.

[@morriswelsh6831]

How do you delete a way point and put in a new one in the ultrex

[@MinnKotaMotors]

Hello Morris, are you referring to the Spot-Lock locations within the i-Pilot system? If so, please see page 15 of your i-Pilot manual. It will walk through how to save locations and overwrite a previously saved location if all 16 memory locations are used. Below is a link to the i-Pilot manual on our website. bit.ly/2mIX24X

[@wesly174]

How do you pull up the arm????!!!!!

[@jakeblaha9233]

I had the motor guide PTS tour edition trolling motor years ago that was very similar to the i-pilot link system. I had similar experiences where it was unable to follow the sharp contour lines we have on most our lakes here in the Finger Lakes region. It also struggled to hold a position or follow a clean path when it was choppy, it was like it got lost and would start over reacting going faster and more erratic till it got back on course or just started doing circles. It didn't use gps though only an internal transducer if I remember correctly. I wonder how the the Minn Kota would do...

[@Pastroodle]

Probably so much better i couldn't even put it into words.

[@billymcintosh1104]

I fish big open water a lot. I have a 45" shaft. I have had longer shafts before because of high winds, but the longer shafts get in the way in shallow water. I'm trying to decide which shaft length to get. My boat is a Z520c Ranger. I'm thinking the spot-lok might not work as good with the 45" shaft in high winds. What do you think?

[@Pastroodle]

I had a 45" shaft on my boat (came from factory) and upgraded to a 54in shaft. I cannot imagine using spot lock on a windy day and having the prop bobbing in and out of the water.

[@denniswilliams3418]

I have a fortrex can you mount the ultrex on the same bracket?

[@MrChrisHockley]

yes you can

[@Pastroodle]

No, you cannot. You can mount a Fortrex on an Ultrex mount but an Ultrex cannot be mounted on a Fortrex mount.

[@scottfowler1609]

I just installed mine today and the book said to mount the gps in the middle of the boat around the driver seat but every one on KZbin has put it at the front of the boat did I do it wrong?

[@MinnKotaMotors]

Scott, The Heading Sensor should not be installed near ferrous metals or near anything that may create a magnetic field or interference. The Heading Sensor must be installed at least 24" from magnetic or ferrous materials on the boat including the base of the motor. Installation near the motor lead wires must also be avoided due to magnetic fields being created during high current draw situations. The Heading sensor must be even with the Keel and have clear view to the head of the motor. Thanks

[@RickeyMcDaniel]

How difficult is it to swap out a Minn Kota Fortex for the Ultrex?

[@MinnKotaMotors]

The Ultrex and Fortrex us the same mounting hole pattern, so if you currently have a Fortrex mounted on your boat, you could remove it and mount the Ultrex without drilling any additional holes.

[@RickeyMcDaniel]

Yep, it worked like a charm.

[@judypfretzschner6486]

Is the 52” mounting holes the same as 45” ? Shaft? Currently have a Fortrex 45” and would like upgrade to a 52” Ultrex.

[@MinnKotaMotors]

Judy, The mounting holes on the short and long Fortrex mounting brackets will be the same. Thanks

[@jseitzjs]

Will it work with Lowrance Carbon units?

[@MinnKotaMotors]

Hi John - The Ultrex and i-Pilot system do not need any fish finder to operate. The i-Pilot Link system has the ability to connect the motor to a Humminbird fish finder for additional features like the ability to control the motor from your Humminbird and following depth contours with a LakeMaster map. The i-Pilot Link system is only compatible with Humminbird at this time.

[@jseitzjs]

Thank you

[@Jsweicht]

Minn Kota Motors I just bought two of The Ultrex 112/45. I am wondering, have you had any issues with them moving erratically side to side while on spot lock. If I am on a river where there is any current at all. These things will start out rotating from about 11-1 o’clock and they expand from there. Up until they are rotating from 9-3 and quite fast. Literally enough to make you feel as though your riding a mechanical bull. Before you assume that it’s because of cross currents, let me assure you it isn’t. My motors rock so violently it will throw you off balance while standing. If I am in an eddy where there is little to no current it operates normally. I called customer service and I believe the gentleman was retiring the following day because he stated, “ yep that’s what they do in current”. I am seeking a fix here. I love the motor. I love the features. I just want spot lock to operate normally in current. Please advise. I wish I could attach the video I took of it doing this. Thank you

[@jonnyw.2333]

How much does it cost

[@zimks]

Do you need hummingbirds to use the spot lock technology

[@MxSteve133]

No you don't.

[@MinnKotaMotors]

You don't need the Humminbird to use Spot-Lock, or any of the features on the i-Pilot system. The i-Pilot system works with your trolling motor, regardless of the fishfinder. The i-Pilot Link system is the version that works with Humminbird. Follow the Contour, Circle Mode, touch screen control and the ability to save up to 2,500 iTracks and Waypoints are features you can get when you connect i-Pilot Link to a Humminbird fishfinder. But features like Spot-Lock, recording tracks, AutoPilot, navigation, etc. can be used even if you do not have a Humminbird unit.

[@bobby2265]

I heard that the Ultrex wont fit in a rangers foot slot and that it will only work on the deck. I have a bad back and want one of these really bad but it would kill my back if it wont fit in my foot slot. I have a 118C ranger.

[@zimks]

Bobby22 fit in my dads new ranger

[@Buldgr]

112v system? You're gonna need another boat to carry all those batteries. :-)

[@briangillespie4160]

Spotlock? I'll just use an anchor.

[@jasoncampbell8797]

Brian Gillespie it’s very convenient to be able to just hit a button. It also saves the spot lock so you can save a brush top or anything else. The spotlocks will show up on your graph.awesome

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

Pro = sales representative

[@SCVM__]

The most important question. Can I finish my days fishing? Will the Motor and Steering still function as a manual cable steer motor if the Power steering/power assist electronics fail?

[@chuckmarlow8875]

SCVM

[@Pastroodle]

No, if you run your batteries dead the motor will not function as a normal cable steer motor.

[@tdog9150]

100 grand for a new Skeeter ,, I couldn’t bring myself to buy one , bought a havoc duck boat , putting some goodies on it .. hard to take the price on some of this stuff,

[@jeremynewhouse6530]

At least 10k worth of equipment with in 3ft. I can't afford to fish anymore.

[@iancameron1662]

Scott can a minn cota trolling motor that wont turn with foot pedal be repaird.its not the foot pedal may be a motor that turns right and left ????

[@MinnKotaMotors]

Hi Ian - Sorry to hear you're having trouble with your motor. We'd be happy to help you fix it. Can you call us at [phone] or email [e-mail] with the serial number of your motor and a few more details about what you're experiencing with the turning issue?

[@huthon]

whats the purpose of it?

[@MinnKotaMotors]

Hi Saudh, Which part, specifically, are you looking for the purpose of? Thanks!

[@kiltzerjohannes4360]

Damn. You need a loan just to fish now.

[@ksr9t]

I have a 14ft Landau, 25 Johnson cheap Minno kota trolling motor aka $2200 Hell I have to lay down in the boat to bait my hook.

[@tombiga8254]

Go info but it made me go ummmmmmmmmm when he said keep your Fortex if this unit breaks, what Minn Kota has ever broke? Still have a die hard, Maxxum, Maxxum, Fortex never an issue, sell for cash, unless this unit is prone to breaking, never heard that before, i can think of one Minn Kota that made it on the market for 10secs and died what was that Genesis?

[@kanenfauntleroy8520]

Yup have to buy the 360 ultrex. The original 360 will not work.

[@Harlanmote]

You can do the same thing with a $400 trolling motor. And I catch plenty of fish. I’m not to lazy to work the thing.

[@mulespur4806]

Want spot lock only don't want to fittel around with hand control.

[@bigfishead]

No one likes a head sticking out the side of the boat. Imagine locking through with a head sticking out 12". Should have thought of that.

[@savvysavage1857]

Had me until you said “Game changer”. Is anything marketed these days Not a Gamechanger? Most overused phrase of 2019!

[@Harlanmote]

Savvy Savage Being a good constant fisher man has nothing to do with how much your trolling motor cost. It’s fun showing them good old boys up with my 86’ Alumacraft with a $100 fish finder and a $400 trolling motor.

[@ABRONXTALE9]

Is there a 80 pound 24v and 54" one available,and can I adjust the height for shallow waters?

[@MinnKotaMotors]

The closest Ultrex models we offer to those specs are an 80-lb., 24-volt, 52" shaft or an 80-lb, 24-volt, 60" shaft.

[@MinnKotaMotors]

You can adjust the height of Ultrex like our other motors by loosening the depth collar and adjusting the shaft up or down and then tightening the depth collar again.