Looking at MK Ulterra and there's about $800 difference between new one or refurbished one - has anyone got any experience with an MK refurbished?

Thanks

I got my Ultrex refurbished direct from Minn Kota in August, 2018 and it worked like new! I saved a bunch of money and got a 1 year warranty (which expired without incident).

There is no chance in hell I would purchase an Ultrex with a shortened warranty. $800 is worth the extra 2 years....

This is true. With my Ultrex, it’s not “if”, BUT “WHEN”!!

The last trip to the shop was the entire shaft, motor, and head. Easily over $800 and it was in the second year of a three year warranty.

No way I’d buy a MK product at that price point without a full, or extended, warranty.

My gosh what do you do to your equipment? Bull in a china closet comment comes to mind.....

Do a search here. Broken ultrex questions weekly...

Ummmm. Unlike a lot of dudes, I GO FISHING. lol

Try the ghost hear it's the bee's knees

I wouldn't have an issue getting a refurbished one but I will also work on my own stuff. Replacing cables or armature, lower units etc I will do all myself so saving the money up front wouldn't be bad. It is a risk though, kind of like the extended warranty the car dealership wants to sell you. Sucks to pay for it unless you need it

Check out the prices that BBG Marine has on the Minn Kota trolling motors. I don't think there is anyone that can beat his pricing and I checked all the places that advertise here on the TFF. There is one place that had some for about the same price but after questioning them I found out that the trolling motor was refurbished with only a 1 year warranty. Why buy used (that is what a refurbished motor is) when you can get a new one for about the same price that has 3 yrs warranty.

I have had the reconditioned mk terrova before no issues. With the ulterra you should be ok. The ultrex seems to be the only MK trolling motor that has numerous issues for people. The others have a hiccup now and then but nothing like the ultrex.

I just got an 80lb Ulterra with MDI for $1800 shipped brand new in box on ebay. Best deal I've seen by far. But I've seen ones NIB for really close to the price of a refurb. I'd look around and try and get a new one if you can. My Christmas present was a new Ulterra and 2 Helix 10 graphs. Stoked to get it all installed on my center console.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy the refurbished motor.
I've had my ulterra for 5 years now. I am hard on trolling motors, and I've had to put it in the shop several times, it was always my fault. I've put new belts on, new tilt motor, new stow motor, new armature, you name it I've broke it. I don't believe anything has broke that was not my fault.

Some of the refurbished never left the factory. They found an issue and repaired it and the ones that are used were fixed so I don't have any problems unless the price is so close to new to be worthwhile on the warranty.

My refurbished terrova 36v Ipilot link did not have a scratch on it. All the hardware was still in sealed bags. Never had a problem with it and saved quite a bit vs new.