Minn Kota Ultrex Review: Is It Worth It?

Minn Kota Ultrex Trolling Motor

Minn Kota Ultrex trolling motor

Are you a passionate angler looking for an edge over the competition? If you’re trying to make your fishing experience easier and more efficient, the Minn Kota Ultrex trolling motor is your ideal choice. This powerful, technology-packed trolling motor is designed with the serious fisherman in mind and can give you an advantage when out on the water.

It combines speed, power, GPS-driven technology, and ease of use in one package that makes it the perfect tool for anglers looking to take their game up a notch. In this review, we’ll take a look at some of its standout features and assess whether or not it will meet your expectations as an avid angler.

Read on to learn why Minn Kota’s new Ultrex trolling motor is perfect for all levels of angling!

Introduce the Minn Kota Ultrex Trolling Motor

Last update on 2024-07-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Experience the pinnacle of boat control with the Minn Kota Ultrex trolling motor. Featuring Power Steering and Spot-Lock, this revolutionary hybrid electric/cable steering motor gives you an unprecedented level of accuracy and maneuverability that will give you an unparalleled experience on the water. Available in 112-pound (36-volt) and 80-pound (24-volt) thrust options and shaft length options of 45-inch, 52-inch, and 60-inches, this motor helps you tackle any fishing spot with ease. 

The revolutionary Lift Assist feature makes stowing and deploying your trolling motor more effortless than ever before as well as making long periods on the water far more comfortable. The Digital Maximizer feature maximizes runtime while controlling motor speed, so you can go further while fishing for longer. The motor’s integrated battery meter also displays the exact charge left each time so you know when it’s time to head back or refuel. 

With a Spot-Lock feature via Jog available in all models, you’ll be able to stay perfectly anchored in even the most turbulent waters. Plus, Power Steering and Spot-Lock make boat control amazingly accurate thanks to GPS-integrated technology. The wireless remote lets you manage with greater convenience while out on the water. The foot pedal style offers either heel-toe or cable operation. With all these features combined, Minn Kota’s Ultrex trolling motor is the perfect tool for achieving maximum control on any waterway.

What Do You Need to Consider When Buying a Trolling Motor?

Ease of Use

Choosing a motor with an intuitive and user-friendly design is important for anglers of all levels. The Ultrex trolling motor was designed with the end user in mind, making it easy to use regardless of experience level.

Power

Different models offer different levels of thrust power. Make sure you choose the option that best suits your boat size and the type of fishing you plan on doing.

Battery Life

Ensure your day of fishing remains uninterrupted by outfitting yourself with the right trolling motor. Overworked batteries can drain too quickly, leaving you stranded in open waters and having to paddle back – a situation we strongly advise against! Save time and money while getting more mileage from each battery charge by investing in an electric set-up designed for maximum power efficiency.

Quietness

A motor that is too loud runs the risk of running off fish, making a quiet motor the preferred choice. The Ultrex trolling motor offers the whisper-quiet operation, so you won’t have to worry about scaring away any potential catches.

Standard Features

It’s important to be aware of the features included with your motor. Make sure you check out all the available options so you can make an informed decision when picking the right trolling motor for you.

The Minn Kota Ultrex trolling motor offers standard features such as Power Steering, Spot-Lock, and Lift Assist, as well as a wireless remote and foot pedal style operation.

Price

Finally, it’s important to factor in price when shopping for a new trolling motor. Quality motors can be expensive, but often they’re worth it in terms of durability and performance.

Minn Kota Ultrex Specs

For Use: Freshwater

Motor Style: Hybrid cable-steer / electric-steer

Foot Pedal Style: Heel-Toe / Cable

Mounting Location: Bow-mount

Shaft Lengths: 45-inch, 52-inch, or 60-inch

Voltage: 24-volt (80 pounds) or 36-volt (112 pounds)

GPS Control System: i-Pilot or i-Pilot Link

Sonar Imaging: Mega Down Imaging or Universal Sonar 2

Key Features

Power Steering: Enjoy effortless control and responsiveness with Ultrex’s Power Steering. With its comfortable foot pedal, you can enjoy smooth navigation all day long – the ultimate in comfort and handling.

Steering Lock: Simply take your foot off the pedal, and be secure in knowing that wherever you left off is where you’ll stay—no recoil or readjustment required!

i-Pilot® Link™ Integrated GPS Trolling System: Now you can precisely control your trolling motor using the color touchscreen remote or Humminbird fish finder, giving a whole new level of maneuverability and functionality to any fishing experience. Create Spot-Locks, trace paths, follow depth contours – even automatically navigate to preprogrammed favorite spots – all while controlling steering speed through this state-of-the-art system.

Spot-Lock with Jog: Experience unmatched precision with Spot-Lock using the i-Pilot GPS. Easily stay atop a prolific fishing spot without having to control your trolling motor manually by taking advantage of this incredible feature! Jog further enhances Spot-Lock, allowing you to move five feet in any direction quickly and easily from the remote or fish finder. Seize unprecedented accuracy.

Key Features autopilot

Lift-Assist: this reduces the weight of the stow and deploys by half. This design features a stainless steel, nitrogen gas-charged spring for maximum efficiency.

Key Features 1

AutoPilot™: Make your time on the water stress-free with AutoPilot™. Whether facing wind, waves, or current – simply point in any direction you choose and let this advanced trolling motor technology keep you heading straight ahead automatically!

Key Features autopilot

Built-In MEGA Down Imaging: Get the clearest underwater view possible with Humminbird MEGA Down Imaging built right into your motor. Enjoy a sleek and protected look while fishing!

Heel-Toe/CableFoot Pedal: This is a foot pedal with Power Steering for all-day comfort and instant responsiveness. With one simple button activation, you can easily anchor your boat in place using the Spot-Lock electronic anchor.

Key Features steering

Integrated Battery Meter: The i-Pilot Link remote allows you to stay out on the water and in control with its integrated battery meter, giving you an exact reading of how much energy your trolling batteries have left.

With Digital Maximizer™: you can enjoy up to five times the fishing time on a single battery charge. With variable-speed trolling motors and precise power control, this technology delivers only what is necessary – conserving energy for an extended angling experience!

Indestructible Composite Shaft: outfitted with an indestructible composite shaft like no other. Engineered for maximum durability, this exclusive design is backed by a lifetime guarantee.

Mobile App Compatibility: allowing you to command speed, steering, and auto guidance capabilities from an Apple® or Android™ device. Easily unlock advanced features like Spot-Lock and Auto Pilot – all while keeping up to date on software updates for a reliable angling adventure!

Summarize the pros and cons

Pros:

– This is beyond a doubt the way to go for most types of fishing. 

– The spot-lock feature is invaluable to boats, it is very accurate. Spot-lock and Nav-mode allow you to focus on the presentation without worrying about controlling the boat.

– Controls are easy to use.

– Wind, waves, and currents were once big problems for boat anglers. But with Minn Kota Ultrex, it was no longer a problem.

– The installation is easy with clear instructions for installation.

– Great at GPS, smooth movements, quiet.

– Very sturdy power.

– The electric steering assist is amazing.

– Foot pedal sensitive.

– This trolling motor lasts much longer on battery power than most.

Cons:

– It’s quite expensive but it’s worth it.

– The I-Pilot link remote is big and heavy.

– No lights on trolling motor head so you need a light at night for safety.

Choosing the Right Minn Kota Motor for Your Boat

Bow Mounting

Choosing the Right Minn Kota Motor for Your Boat

Unlock maximum control of your boat with the Minn Kota trolling motor, featuring cutting-edge features and a variety of control options. Easily mount it to the front side of your vessel for effortless movement throughout all types of water conditions, granting superior maneuverability and control.

Motor Shaft Length

Selecting the right shaft length is key to successful motor performance. To maximize thrust, we recommend submerging at least 12 inches of the center section of your engine for complete submersion in water and maximum power output.

The Ultrex has Shaft Lengths options of 45-inch, 52-inch, or 60-inch respectively. This makes it easy to choose the right length for your boat. Remember that you must know your boat measurements before buying a trolling motor.

Thrust Power

For successful fishing trips, the weight of your boat is key in figuring out how much thrust you need. Consider 2 pounds per every 100 lbs total load – people and gear included- for optimal performance; if conditions like strong winds or currents are playing a role, opt to give yourself some extra power!

With two thrust options of 80 pounds (24V) and 112 pounds (36V), the Minn Kota Ultrex can push weights up to 4000 lbs to 5600 lbs.

With this power level, keeping a boat stable in the wind and current should not be a problem.

Voltage

To ensure your boat is fully powered, determine the amount of battery power required for your trolling motor. 12 volts equates to up to 55 pounds of thrust with only one battery needed. If more power is needed at 24V, two batteries are recommended and will give 80 lbs of thrust while 3 batteries connected in 36 volts allow 112 lbs maximum output.

GPS Control System: i-Pilot or i-Pilot Link

Ultrex models are equipped with the latest in Minn Kota’s intuitive GPS systems: i-Pilot and its advanced version, i-Pilot Link. These revolutionary wireless systems offer fishermen speed control at their fingertips – as well as Spot-Lock for stable anchoring and path recording/retracing capabilities.

Moreover, i-Pilot Link with an easily customizable color touchscreen remote, And if you want even more insight into your environment below the waterline? The integration of a Humminbird fish finder makes that possible too!

Sonar Imaging: Mega Down Imaging or Universal Sonar 2

Ultrex models offer unparalleled clarity underwater with their Hummingbird MEGA Down Imaging transducer. Removing any added fuss from the fishing experience, these trolling motors conceal wiring and mountings for an uninterrupted view of what’s below.

Universal Sonar 2 supports a seamlessly integrated system – running through your motor shafts to keep everything neat and protected!

Customer reviews

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FAQs

Is the Ultrex worth it?

This motor is worth it. It offers superior control, reliable performance, and a variety of features to help you get the most out of your fishing trips. With this trolling motor, you’ll be able to confidently navigate through any type of water conditions and make sure your boat stays steady in windy or choppy waters.

How long does a Minn Kota Ultrex last?

The Minn Kota Ultrex has a long life expectancy of between 4-7 years. The motor is designed with longevity in mind, using robust materials and advanced features to ensure your investment stays protected. One more thing is that it will be warranted for 3 years. With proper care and maintenance, you can count on your Ultrex to get you through many fishing trips!

Is Minn Kota made in China?

No, Minn Kota is made in the USA. It’s designed and manufactured by leading engineers in Minnesota, with part of its production done in our partner facility located in Wisconsin. All materials used are of superior quality, ensuring you get a product that will last for years.

Can you use Minn Kota with Lowrance?

Yes, Minn Kota supports Lowrance fish finders. For those looking to make use of their Lowrance device with a Minn Kota trolling motor, the Universal Sonar 2 adapter plug is your saving grace. Not only does it allow for quick and easy connection between these two devices but its waterproof shell ensures that you are never worried about faulty connections or breaks in wiring! Enjoy the convenience of using both pieces of equipment without any hassle – all thanks to this innovative component.

Which Fish Finders are Compatible with Minn Kota?

Which Fish Finders are Compatible with Minn Kota

With an array of fish finders available to pair with Minn Kota motors, Hummingbird, Lowrance, Garmin, and Eagle remain among the most notable brands. Although these may not be your only options for compatibility between a motor and sensor; if you have one that hasn’t been tested by Minn Kota specifically it is up to you to figure out whether both products are compatible.

Do you need a Fish Finder to use Spot-Lock?

No, you do not need a fish finder to use Spot-Lock. This feature is available with i-Pilot and i-Pilot Link without any additional accessories or sensors. 

With a GPS, I-Pilot users can easily enjoy the convenience of spot-lock and autopilot features for their motorboat. Unlocking effortless navigation in any weather!

Conclusion

For any fisherman looking for an upgrade in their trolling motor, the Minn Kota Ultrex should be at the top of your list. Loaded with intuitive features like GPS control systems, sonar imaging capabilities, and superior thrust power – this motor offers anglers all the advantages they need to make their next fishing experience successful.

With its long life expectancy and high-quality materials, this trolling motor is a reliable investment worth every penny. Enjoy all the features of this incredible trolling motor and make fishing easier than ever before!

Thanks for reading our article. If you have any questions, leave a comment below. You can see more posts on our website here.

Further reading

Things to Know about Off Shore Fishing

Tips for Fishing From a Boat

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