Looking to get new trolling motor for 20’ cobra bass boat. Was looking at minn Kota ultrex. Needing help deciding which one to get. 24v or 36v. Have plenty of room for another battery but not sure if I need it or not. Fish tournament monthly so runs 8-9 hrs during the day. Any input is appreciated

I have a 20.5 foot bay boat (likely much heavier than your bass boat) and run a 24 volt Motorguide Xi5. It runs all day long. I would think 24 volt would be just fine. If you want to spend the extra money on batteries and trolling motor, go for it...however the few hundred you may save buys a lot of lures!

36v for sure, if your on any new boat pages its common to see guys who bought boats with a 80 on post when they go 36 how much better it is, battery life is way extended etc.

Im on a phoenix page and they sell 721 919 etc with 80 at some dealerships to drop the sticker cost and guys very often end up changing it out.

If you have room for a 3rd battery, go for the 36v. Better to have the extra power and run time when you need it.

rule of thumb - always get more trolling motor than you think you need.

Second rule of thumb-----no such thing as too much trolling motor power.

word ^

Well looks like I’ll get a 36 volt. Appreciate it. Know I just hope it helps catch more fish.

You might consider buying 3 new batteries, adding one new one to a bank it will get drawn down to the performance of your old ones best case scenario.


lithium are getting cheaper every day. I am running 50ah relions for my tm and they have never failed for me. the lowest Ive ever seen on them after 9 hours in wind on the tm is 39.2,,, yes that is over 36. I run my tm on lithiums at 1-1.5 speed, when I had group 31 agm I would start the day at 2-3 speed and by end of the day I was on 6-7 speed to make my boat move.

I paid 575 ea for my 50ah relions but there are some now out there as low as 360 I think each. They weigh 15 lbs, charge faster, put out a consistent power level and last 10-20 years vs every 3-4 years needing replaced.

This stuff is getting cooler and cooler here is one I just found on ebay with a quick search.. built in gauge and usb.. crazy stuff.


https://www.ebay.com/itm/LIFEPO4-12V-50AH-LITHIUM-PHOSPHATE-LFP-DEEP-CYCLE-BATTERY-Lead-AGM-Replacement/163815117924?hash=item2624245464:g:c20AAOSwnLFdUVmu

Get the 36v. I have a 24v with two Optima Grp 31’s. It’s hammered by the end of 6-8 hours. A few times the batteries have discharged so deep, that the foot pedal wouldn’t even turn.

....this is on a 19ft class boat.

I agree I bought my 210 super pro procraft with a 24v 80lb. I want to trade it in so badly for 36v I feel like it’s really sluggish under 7 power and barely last 8 hours.