Recommendations

What do y’all recommend for new trolling motor with spot/ anchor lock? Minn Kota or Motorguide? Auto deploy or not? I would like to hear from all of you who are using the spot lock technology. Also would like to hear from those that have the auto stow/deploy function as I have read that some of the first ones did not hold up.0” Thinking of buying a new troll motor soon.

Thanks
Phantom Fisherman I

Don't know anything about Motorguide but I have a Ultrex and love it especially the spot lock. Yesterday I found a school of bass and hit spot lock which kept me right over the top of them even while re-tying and looking for more plastics. Some on here swear by the auto deploy but wasn't something that interested me especially if the thing malfunctioned. Ultrex has lift assist that helps with the raising and lowering of the motor and also power steering. Everybody has their favorite and mine is Ultrex.

Minn-Kota . Read testimonials on both , make a list of things you want from a trolling motor . Match with availability and budget . It's all a learning curve.

I prefer Minn Kota Terrova second generation. I have had MotorGuide and it is a good motor as well, but they way they classify power ratings, the Minn Kota puts more power out per lb thrust advertised. I also have had a first generation Terrova and a Power Drive V2, and they were very reliable, but the spot lock left a lot to be desired. It was about a 15' circle opposed to the 2-3' circle I have now.As far as the auto deploy, I have never owned one, but know a few that have. Two guys love them, and three hated them when they had them. They went back to a standard deploy.

I have a Ulterra i pilot 112. And have put it threw it paces. I was surprised how well the shaft stood up after a spring of me trying to learn to drive it. wont go back to any other motor.

I would want the trolling motor to be integrated into the fishfinder's system. Which means Minn Kota if you are using Humminbird and Motorguide for Lowrance. Its super convenient to be able to just highlight a point on the map and have the trolling motor take you there automatically.

I've owned three MinnKotas and I currently have an Ulterra 112, they have never given me any reason to shop for a different brand. The auto deploy/stow is greatness.

I have the terrova and it works great. It’s a few years old and the technology has improved a lot since then from what I’m told. Mine sometimes takes a bit to get me spot locked because it tends to overcorrect. I’ve heard the newer ones are smoother.

Few things: make sure you buy the Ipilot LINK model!! This allows the TM to talk to the fish finder and “go to” the fish that you drop a pin on. If it is not a linked version you cannot do that. If you arnt hurting and a few hundred bucks wouldn’t kill ya get the auto deploy! That’s my one regret....I didn’t get the autodeploy since when they first came out the reviews were hit or miss on them but it seems they got the kinks worked out.

Minn Kota or Motorguide? Both are great and I think depends on if you are a “lowerance Guy” or “Humminbird Guy” I use Humminbird so I’m locked into minn Kota but I’m happy.

I agree with the comments above about linking with graphs. I’ve got a Motorguide Xi5 because I prefer Lowrance graphs. I have been happy with the motorguide. Spot lock works great, remote is easy to use, wireless foot pedal has been extremely handy at times.

I have the Ulterra and it is the greatest fishing/boat handling tool ever. I have the 80lb 60" on my 22 1/2' bay boat and it holds all day long. I love the ease of just tossing the boat in the water and anchoring it where you want it. Then go park the truck and walk back and bring the boat to you. no more rubbing on the side of the dock or crowded areas.
I'm so lazy I wish I can figure out how to put the boat on the trailer with it. I will have to get my timing right one day.
A lot of money but worth it to me.

I been happy with Minn Kota Terrova but wish I got the one that goes in the water with a push of a button