New Guy - Ultrex? What else?

New boater/fisherman. Family of 4, 2 young boys. 2008 Bass Tracker 175.

Based on previous thread about wind, I'm going to buy a spotlock trolling motor. Hearing that Ultrex is the best.

We aren't wealthy, but we can invest a bit more into the boat for better experience on the water.

Currently have 12v stock 40lb troll motor.

If we get the Ultrex, first of all, what version do we need? 80lb should do, but do we need imaging? or Link? or... ?

Currently we just have the stock 10 year old depth finder. We probably won't invest in 10" ipad screens or whatever, but heck we might...?

After we decide on which Ultrex model to buy, what else do we need? An additional battery, battery box, what wiring?. Upgraded 3 bank charger? Anything else?

Would the ultrex plug in to the current power outlet that's on boat now?

Thanks for help.

In our situation, would anyone advocate strongly for a different spotlock motor?

Would strongly consider getting in contact with David at Shut up and Fish. He can answer all of your questions about product, installation, compatibility with boat etc.. He comes highly recommended from many on this forum, and I have personally used him as well. He is in Lewisville.

24v 80lb ultrex non link 45"

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Free-2-Day-Delivery-Minn-Kota-Ultrex-Combo-80-45-Universal-Sonar2-iPilot-Minn/372642505563?epid=8030522275&hash=item56c339635b:g:ZvwAAOSwROldvH7H

two wire hook up positive and negative you can use a plug if you want, but thats not common practice anymore, these motors are too big to be removing etc.

youll need 2 batteries for 24v

lots of charger options, if theres not a lot of room on your boat Id buy a 3 bank and not mount it in the boat



OR keep what you have an double anchor thats what I did for years

Since you asked about LINK, you won’t get much benefits from it unless you get a LINK compatible Humminbird .

I'm just wondering if it would be smart to future proof? We currently have no electronics. If we eventually buy some, will we regret not having the link?

It doesn't seem necessary though in our situation.

Thanks for link and info Jeff.

Link vs non link

To use link you need a helix AND map card.

https://www.trollingmotors.net/blog...ferences-between-i-pilot-vs-i-pilot-link

You can do spot lock and most other things you will ever want to do without Link.

The most useful thing LINK gives me is being able to follow a contour. I really like that feature, i can just fish and let the TM take me aling and around features while only having to adjust speed sometimes and watch for rocks or stumps in the path. Get a fish in and hit spotlick on the foot pedal control. I would get LINK if you are already considering iPilot. I had to pay more for LINK upgrade than it would have cost to go there originally. As with all choices, your budget and desired functionality are unique to you.

My battery is currently a year old. If I buy another one to make it 24v system, do I need to replace both at same time? Or just buy a matching one, and lets go?

I was in your position last year when I bought a used 24 volt Terrova . I moved my great 1 year old trolling battery to the starter battery and bought 2 new batteries for the trolling motor . The starter battery I removed is a few years old and in great shape so I have it as a spare and just put the charger on it once in a while . I can't make myself throw it away . I had to go with group 24's because of limited space .
I ended up with Duracell batteries that batteries plus sells .

i had a 2006 pro team 175. I had the Xi5 12 volt 55lb mounted and never had an issue. I fished out of that boat 3-4 days a week and tournaments. Yes in high winds i got low on juice from time to time but for 90% of the time it worked great. That boat is light and the 12volt 55lb was plenty to hold me just about anywhere you'd want to be in a shorter aluminum boat. I ran Lowrance gen2 7 inch up front and 9 inch at the console...not networked. Utilized the Xi5 sonar up front and the total scan mounted on the rear for the one at my console. We fished this set up a bunch and had very little problems. I did carry an extra battery...just in case. Hope this helps

I'm in the same boat as you, well almost ('96 WeldCraft 17.5'). I recently bought a 65lb Maxxum used and am looking at getting an Ultrex as soon as the money comes through. I moved my TM batteries to the mid/front of the boat so it helped keep my front down and less weight in the back. I'm going to get the ipilot link when I get the Ultrex because its not much more, and I have a Solix 10.

Take the ten minutes and speak with David. You wont be sorry.

Shut Up and Fish
Marine supply store in Lewisville, Texas
Address: 985 TX-121 BUS Suite #602, Lewisville, TX 75057
Phone: (972) 822-9285