When it comes to trolling motors, Minn Kota is one of the most well-known and trusted brands. In this article, we will be comparing the Trolling Motor Minn Kota Ultrex Vs Ulterra. Both of these trolling motors are some of the best on the market, but they have unique features that set them apart from each other.
What Do They Have in Common?
Both the Minn Kota Ultrex trolling motor and Minn Kota Ulterra trolling motor are designed with saltwater use in mind. They both have a durable composite shaft that is resistant to corrosion, as well as an anodized aluminum head for added durability.
In addition, they both come with Minn Kota’s signature i-Pilot GPS, which allows you to control the trolling motor using your smartphone or other mobile devices.
Motors and Voltage
The Minn Kota Ultrex trolling motor has a brushless motor that is designed for increased efficiency and longer-lasting performance. It also has a built-in transducer for sonar compatibility, as well as an integrated circuit breaker for added safety.
The Minn Kota Ulterra trolling motor also has a brushless motor, but it is slightly less powerful than the Minn Kota Ultrex.
However, it does have a higher voltage (36 volts vs. 24 volts), which means that it can run for longer periods without needing to be recharged.
Autopilot
One of the Minn Kota’s most impressive features is its autopilot feature, which uses GPS to automatically keep the trolling motor in a straight line. This is a great feature for those who want to focus on fishing, rather than having to constantly adjust the trolling motor.
Minn Kota’s signature i-Pilot GPS, allows you to control the trolling motor using your smartphone or other mobile devices.
This system makes it easy to maintain control of your boat even in windy or choppy conditions.
I-Pilot or I-Pilot Link
The Minn Kota Ultrex trolling motor comes with an I-Pilot system. The I-Pilot system is a GPS trolling motor that gives you the ability to control your boat hands-free. With the I-Pilot system, you can set your boat on a course, and the trolling motor will steer your boat for you.
The Minn Kota Ulterra trolling motor also comes with an I-Pilot system. However, Ulterra’s I-Pilot system is a little different than Ultrex’s I-Pilot system. Ulterra’s I-Pilot system is a Bluetooth-enabled GPS trolling motor. With Ulterra’s I-Pilot system, you can control your trolling motor from your smartphone or tablet.
If you’re looking for a trolling motor with GPS capabilities, then the Minn Kota Ultrex is the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a trolling motor with Bluetooth capabilities, then the Minn Kota Ulterra is the better choice.
Sonars and Transducers
Both the Minn Kota Ultrex trolling motor and Minn Kota Ulterra trolling motor comes with a built-in transducer for sonar compatibility. This transducer can be used to help you find fish or structures beneath the water’s surface.
Both models are compatible with Minn Kota’s Universal Sonar system, however.
The Universal Sonar system allows you to see fish and underwater structures in real-time on your fish finder screen.
MEGA Imaging
The Minn Kota comes with MEGA Imaging, which gives you a clear view of the underwater landscape and helps you find the perfect spot to fish.
MEGA Imaging is a game-changer when it comes to fishing. It allows you to see clearly under the water, so you can find the perfect spot to drop your line. You no longer have to guess where the fish are biting.
With MEGA Imaging, you’ll be able to see submerged objects in greater detail than ever before. This means you can easily avoid obstacles when trolling or casting out your line. No more lost lures!
Composite Shaft
Both Minn Kota Ultrex and Ulterra trolling motors come with a composite shaft, which is great for durability. The main advantage of a composite shaft is that it is much more durable and will not break as easily as an aluminum shaft.
However, the Ulterra’s shaft is also designed to flex on impact, which helps minimize damage if you happen to hit something while fishing.
Minn Kota Ultrex and Minn Kota Ulterra are great trolling motors that have their unique features. If you’re looking for a trolling motor with increased power and longer battery life, then the Minn Kota Ulterra is a great option.
However, if you’re looking for a trolling motor with GPS capabilities and the ability to anchor your boat in a specific location, then the Minn Kota Ultrex is a better choice.
Ultrex and Ulterra: The Differences
Minn Kota’s Ultrex trolling motor is the result of years of development and innovation. The Minn Kota team took their time perfecting this trolling motor, and it shows in the product. The Minn Kota Ulterra is very similar to the Ultrex, but there are a few key differences that set them apart.
- The first difference is in the design. The Minn Kota Ulterra has a more traditional look and feels to it, while the Ultrex has a more modern look. This is a matter of personal preference, but it’s something to consider when choosing between the two.
- The second difference is in the construction. The Minn Kota Ulterra is made with a more durable material, which makes it a better choice for heavy use. The Minn Kota Ultrex is still a very tough trolling motor, but it’s not quite as rugged as the Ulterra.
- The third difference is in the performance. The Minn Kota Ulterra is a little bit faster and more powerful than the Ultrex. This means that it can handle heavier loads and tougher conditions. If you need the absolute best performance from your trolling motor, then the Ulterra is the way to go.
- The fourth difference is in the price. The Minn Kota Ulterra costs a bit more than the Ultrex, but it’s worth it if you need the extra performance and durability.
Cable Steer on the Ultrex
One of the most notable features of the Minn Kota Ultrex is its cable steer system. This system gives you precise control over the trolling motor, and it’s a big step up from traditional steering systems. The Minn Kota Ulterra also has an electric steer system, but it’s not as advanced as the one on the Ultrex.
Electric Steer on the Ulterra
Another big difference between the Minn Kota Ultrex and Ulterra is the electric steer system on the Ulterra. This system gives you precise control over the trolling motor, but it’s not as fast or responsive as the cable steer system on the Ultrex.
The Minn Kota Ulterra’s electric steer system is easier to use, but it doesn’t offer the same level of precision as the Ultrex.
Foot Pedals
Most anglers prefer to use the foot pedals for greater control when steering their boat, while others find them cumbersome or unnecessary.
The Minn Kota Ultrex comes with a foot pedal that has been designed for comfort and ease of use. This pedal is very easy to use, and it’s a great way to get precise control over the motor. The Minn Kota Ulterra also has a foot pedal, but it’s not as advanced as the one on the Ultrex.
Stow, Deploy, and Trim: Comparison
When it comes to stowing, deploying, and trimming your trolling motor, both the Ultrex and Ulterra make it incredibly easy.
With the push of a button, the motors will stow themselves away. The same goes for deploying and trimming.
As you can see, both Minn Kota trolling motors offer features that make stowing and deploying the motor easier. The Ultrex also offers an auto-pilot activation foot pedal, while the Ulterra offers a remote auto-pilot activation. The trim foot pedal is also available on both motors.
Minn Kota Ultrex Vs Ulterra: Which Trolling Motor is Better Overall?
Minn Kota’s Ulterra trolling motor is one of, if not the, most popular on the market. It’s easy to see why. The Ulterra comes standard with Minn Kota’s i-Pilot GPS and Spot-Lock feature. Not to mention, it can be controlled via an app on your smartphone or from the included remote.
The Ultrex, Minn Kota’s newest trolling motor, builds upon the success of the Ulterra by adding a few key features. Most notably is the inclusion of Minn Kota’s Power steering system which makes for incredibly precise control of the motor, even at slow speeds.
Both trolling motors have a 48″ composite shaft. The Minn Kota Ultrex has a thrust rating of 112 lbs while the Ulterra has a slightly higher thrust rating of 144 lbs. Both motors come with Minn Kota’s i-Pilot GPS but only the Ultrex has Power steering.
So, which is the better overall trolling motor? Minn Kota’s Ulterra or their newest model, the Ultrex? If you’re looking for a motor with more features and better performance, then the Ultrex is the obvious choice. However, if you don’t think you need Minn Kota’s Power steering system, then the Ulterra is still an excellent trolling motor and will save you a few hundred dollars.
Whichever model you choose, Minn Kota trolling motors are some of the best on the market and will no doubt provide years of trouble-free service.
Which Trolling Motor Should I Choose?
Both trolling motors are great choices, but they do have their own unique set of pros and cons.
Minn Kota Ultrex:
Pros:
- Has i-Pilot Link, which allows you to control the trolling motor using your smartphone or fishfinder
- Very quiet and smooth operation
Cons:
- Some users have reported issues with the i-Pilot Link function
Minn Kota Ulterra:
Pros:
- AutoPilot feature allows the trolling motor to automatically maintain a set course
- Power Trim allows you to adjust the motor’s position from anywhere on the boat
- Comes with an integrated transducer for sonar mapping
Cons:
- Some users have reported that the AutoPilot feature doesn’t work as well in rough waters
- The integrated transducer can get in the way when casting a line
Technology and Fish-Finding Features
When it comes to fish-finding features, the Minn Kota Ultrex comes equipped with a Bowguard 360 that helps to protect your motor from underwater obstacles.
The Ulterra features an optional Humminbird LakeMaster Chip that gives you high definition mapping of the bottom contours and structure of the water body you are fishing in. Additionally, it also has an AutoPilot feature that steers you towards fish targets.
Another difference is in the transducers that come standard with each trolling motor. The Minn Kota Ultrex comes with a High Definition Side Imaging transducer, while the Ulterra comes with a standard Dual Beam Plus transducer.
The High Definition Side Imaging transducer gives the angler a clearer view of what is happening beneath and to the side of the boat, while the Dual Beam Plus transducer only gives a view beneath the boat.
In terms of technology and fish-finding features, then, the Minn Kota Ultrex has a few advantages over the Ulterra.
Conclusion
Minn Kota trolling motors are some of the most popular on the market and for good reason. They’re well-built, reliable, and offer a wide range of features that can be helpful for any angler.
After this Minn Kota Ultrex vs Ulterra comparison, it’s clear that there are pros and cons to each trolling motor. The Minn Kota Ultrex is a bit more expensive, but it offers features like GPS-enabled anchoring and Power Steer that make it worth the price for some anglers.
The Ulterra is also a great trolling motor, but its main selling point is its auto-deploy and stow feature, which can be very helpful for solo fishermen. In the end, it’s up to the individual angler to decide which trolling motor is right for them.
So, which one should you choose? It depends on your needs. If you need the absolute best performance and durability, then go with the Minn Kota Ultrex. If you’re looking for a good trolling motor that’s a little less expensive, then the Minn Kota Ulterra is a great option. Whichever one you choose, you can’t go wrong with either of these great products from Minn Kota.
Do you have any questions about Minn Kota trolling motors? Leave a comment below and we’ll do our best to answer them! Thanks for reading!
