Looking for someone who has used both units. Pros and cons ? Looks like the cable steer and auto stow are the big differences. Does anyone really unload your boat by yourself with Ulterra? Fixing to pull the trigger and want to get all info i can get. Thanks for the replies.

The mounts are very different too. The Ulterra Mount is more compact and If you want to attach your own transducer to the motor then be warned that the Ulterra mounting/deployment system is not going to be friendly.

IMO Ulterra is a better fit for a multi-species angler/boat. Ultrex is aimed at the hard core bass guys.

You're going to want to use a slide mount under the ulterra, or else it sticks out a good ways over the gunnel, (for clearance purposes). Slide mount allows it to be pulled out only when its being used.
I don't have one, but my dad does. I have an Ultrex. He predominantly uses the handheld remote, rather than the foot pedal...but that's just a preference.

And to echo above...Yes, the deployment system isn't friendly to an externally mounted transducers of any kind.

I have an Ulterra on my Z520C. Yes, I launch by myself using the self deploy. And, since I am getting older, I really appreciate it when fishing wind blown areas. I can leave the Ulterra down on spot lock, get back to the drivers seat, fire the big motor up, and stow the Ulterra using the remote when I'm ready to go. No more pulling up the trolling motor and killing myself trying to get back to the drivers seat before i get blown into shore.

Disclaimer: I have fished electric steer since they came out in the early 90's, so I'm accustomed to "thinking ahead" of where the motor head should be pointed at all times. It really becomes second nature after a while and I haven't missed cable steer since making the switch years ago.

I have the Ulterra and it is pretty nice especially if you fish solo. The auto stow/deploy is nice on a long day of fishing. You have to be creative with your transducer but it is very doable. There are youtube videos of different ways people have attacked that issue. I am actually thinking of switching to the Ultrex simply because of the 360 mount available for it. I haven't come up with a good mounting solution for mine that I am happy with and liss having it on the boat.

I fish a Terrova and Mark Wendler is right about electric steer. Be patient and it becomes second nature. And I do use the foot pedal when I’m casting repetitively or both hands are busy.

I am on my 3rd year with my Ulterra and have thoroughly enjoyed this TM. It is different than the Ultrex in a number of ways including the steering but it is just a case of getting used to it. I routinely launch solo and use the auto-deploy feature to hold my boat while I park. I use both the remote and the foot pedal together. Its very nice to have the option. One of my main reasons for going Ulterra was to get away from having to manually deploy and retrieve a traditional cable steer motor. I am getting older and not as steady as I used to be so eliminating the need to stow/deploy a TM was a safety issue for me. The TRIM feature is awfully handy when in shallow water because I can adjust the motor height with the press of a button.
One minor drawback to the Ulterra is that it only comes in 45" and 60" shaft lengths.

I've had my Xi5 for over 3 years now and am considering switching to the Ulterra. The pins and plates in my spine don't play nice some days and deploying it can be a literal pain.

on a bass boat ultrex is the way to go on a center console the ulterra is great where you are fishing away from rocks an timber in open water they do nice.

I have an Ulterra on my Skeeter bay boat. And I do fish rocks and timber all the time as I fish for bass 95% of the time. My one complaint is that it's stinking noisy for the deploy. So you have to make sure and deploy away from your target and then troll over. I didn't think about this or I might have gotten the Terrova so I could be more stealth. I was going to buy the Terrova and just happened on a new in box Ulterra for $1800 so kind of hard to pass up. My back likes it for sure. With everything there are pluses and minuses. Oh other thing is shaft length. My old TM was 54 inches, but had to go to 60 as they only make the Ulterra in 48 and 60. If I'm fishing grass and have the TM way up it kind of gets in the way to some extent although you can cast around it.

The Ulterra has a lot of applications but I don't really think traditional bass fishing fits with it. There is a reason why you don't see anyone on tour running them.

True for the pros or tournament fisherman in general, but at 60 a traditional bass boat is just harder on the back and knees. Like getting in and out of a porshe all day long. Still want to bass fish, and I can do it just fine from a center console that doesn't have much drag like my Skeeter 20'. Wouldn't fish tourney's out of it, but some of us want to fish just for the fun of it and getting outdoors. But agree if you have a bass boat get the Ultrex. If you have a bay boat get the Ulterra, Terrova or Xi5.

Ever watch the pros fish? They haul A to their spot and jump up and yank the trolling motor into position. They wouldn't want to take the time for the auto deploy plus I am sure that they want the cable feel for the pedal. For them time is money. Not to mention since it has more moving parts there is more opportunity for something to break and again time is money so..... I have been using one for a couple of years 99% bass fishing in rocks and stumps. The shaft flexes and bounces back just like the Ultrex so for the avg bass fisherman it will hold up just fine. It's just a matter of preference. They hold up fine for bass fishing. It will definitely make life more pleasant with a back injury. You have to be willing to learn to use the electronic steering is the downside.

I have an Ulterra on a bass boat and love everything about it except the length. I bought a 45" which really only gives you 37" of usable shaft because of how the auto deploy stuff fits on the shaft. I should have bought the 60" as mine comes out of the water in only a moderate chop. I have no idea why Minn Kota chooses not to make the Ulterra in a 52" since they do make almost every other motor they sell in that length.

I had a 42" Motorguide previously and never had it come out of the water.

Expensive mistake.

Wayne

Thanks for the replies .......Thats all good info