So I need help with a new trolling motor. I have a 2006 Skeeter 20i with a Minn Kota 36 volt Maxxum Pro 101 thrust trolling motor. I am adding a Humminbird Helix 10 Si mega and looking to update my trolling motor. I am wanting one that has some kind of auto control features like holding boat in one place, link to new Helix unit, and things like that. I went to the "box stores" and left more confused. Would like to stay somewhere around $2K in price.

The Minnkota Ultrex is the most popular for bass fishing. The iPilot LINK version is the one that communicates with Humminbird units. It is a combo cable steer and electric steer.


Electric steer only is the Ulterra with power trim/power stow/deploy. Terrova is manual stow and deploy. iPilot LINK versions of those.


The "holding boat in one place" is called Spot Lock.
Any of the above models will do Spot Lock with or without LINK or even a sonar/GPS unit connected.
They have built-in GPS.

You might have to consider not being able to link to the fish finder to stay in your budget of 2K. You can do 99% of what most people use on the trolling motor without linking it FYI. Another thing to consider is the built in sonar that Wayne mentioned. You need to know what type of unit you might run on the bow so you know which one you would want or not want and run a separate transducer.

Do you want to operate primarily with a foot control like traditional trolling motors? Then narrow it down to the Ultrex.
Do you want to primarily use a remote to steer? Look at the Terrova.
If you are old like me and don't want to lift the trolling motor up and down all day then look at the Ulterra.

I am looking at keeping the old Lowrance unit at the bow for now. I am going to add to the console with a Helix 10 mega. I watched several videos today and think I am leaning toward the Ultrex. I am leery of the Ulterra, thinking that the self lift part would go out and then more to get it fixed. Didn't know that the units do not have to link to Sonar to stay in one place (Spot lock). Good to know. Now to find a place i can get it with installed for around 2K.
Thanks for the advise.

On the Skeeter, the Ultrex will be your best choice for bass fishing. It gives the spotlock and some other gps features, footcontrolled and has a remote. The remote can store a few waypoints and routes, plus control the boat from anywhere in the boat. It has a built in sonar transducer and new for 2019 year you can get the optional built in Mega DI transducer. These motors (with Mega transducer) are scheduled for a October release. You're going to go over the $2K budget by about $400.00 if you go 36V. If you opt for the link version to link it to the Humminbird depth finder, now are in the future, expect to spend another $400.00.
Call me if I can help.
John

I have learned a lot from you men, I am retired and would like some advice, about buying a minn kota ultrex 112/Chrip Mega DI g3n, for my front deck, would this stop lock and navigate creeks?. Is their another one that ya"ll would put on your boat. Not too sure what to look into. THANKS JIM