Mega Down + Mega Side built into trolling motor?

I'm researching new sonar units and compatible trolling motors. I'm a Humminbird fan and will stick with them.

I'm looking at Helix 10 Gen4 units, haven't ruled out the new Apex/Solix units.
Trolling Motor question. I am leaning toward the Terrova again. Mine is the original version with Ipilot. I'm leaning toward Ipilot-link on the next one. My options are built-in Down Imaging, or use a bracket to attach the respective transducer to the bottom of the trolling motor. Is the built in transducer worth the extra couple hundred bucks?
https://minnkotamotors.johnsonoutdoo...rrova?id=21246

If I go with the Ulterra I can get both Down and Side imaging built into the Trolling motor. Is it worth the extra money.
https://minnkotamotors.johnsonoutdoo...terra?id=26331

The MK trolling motors that have the built in MDI or MSI transducer, also have extra shielding built into them to prevent electrical interference you might get in your depth finder if you were installing a transducer and running its wire up the side on a non Transducer model trolling motor. Also, depending on the trolling motor, installation of a transducer on a ulterra can be complicated by running the wire on the outside of the shaft by blockage of the lift motor. Have to have a lot of slack in the transducer wire to keep from breakage or getting it caught in the motor when deployed and retracted if you understand what I am trying to relate to. The easy way out is to buy the trolling motor with the built in transducer and wiring ran inside it. Other options is to install the trolling motor transducer on a separate item like Rickie’s Da Ducer, but,,by the time you buy it or a product similar to it, your better off with the built in transducer in the trolling motor. I think that is why a lot of guys using the depth finders on the bow go ahead and install their transducers on the transom and just do that as the easy way and cheapest way out.

Also, in the G3N and newer Solix/Apex models, to get rid of electrical interference if it crops up on your screen for some reason, HB now has built in a setting called noise filter setting of 1 thru 4. You can get rid of some electrical interference if you have it, by playing with that setting that sometimes works.

Hanr3,
I purchased a Terrova before the SI model was available and installed my G2N transom transducer on the TM. Humminbird makes a adapter plate that makes it very easy to mount. My transducer cable is external and runs up the groove in the shaft. I do spray it with silicon occasional to lubricate and aid in less resistance. Best move I made to have SI on the TM.

I tried running an external Mega DI transducer on my 1 year old Terrova. Used cornfield crappie standoff brackets and it was a twisted mess. I have a 55 lb Terrova, so the transducer had to fit behind the skeg. After 2 trips took it off, and have ordered a 80 lb Ulterra ipilot link with MSI. I think I will be much happier.

Sent from my SM-T580 using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Hanr3

I'm researching new sonar units and compatible trolling motors. I'm a Humminbird fan and will stick with them.

I'm looking at Helix 10 Gen4 units, haven't ruled out the new Apex/Solix units.
Trolling Motor question. I am leaning toward the Terrova again. Mine is the original version with Ipilot. I'm leaning toward Ipilot-link on the next one. My options are built-in Down Imaging, or use a bracket to attach the respective transducer to the bottom of the trolling motor. Is the built in transducer worth the extra couple hundred bucks?
https://minnkotamotors.johnsonoutdoo...rrova?id=21246

If I go with the Ulterra I can get both Down and Side imaging built into the Trolling motor. Is it worth the extra money.
https://minnkotamotors.johnsonoutdoo...terra?id=26331

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If MEGA 360 is in your future - there is no purpose for the SI in the Minn Kota MSI because the SI will come from the MEGA 360 xducer ...

So if MEGA 360 is in your future - the Minn Kota MDI is a better option ...

Rickie

Me personnlley will not pay extra for a built in transducer, if it goes out have to send into a service shop to replace the transducer. I have an Ulterra here is how I mounted my SI to my trolling motor I copied how he did it in the video and works slick no extra wires running up to the head. It took some tinkering to figure everything out but luv it now. I found instead of coiled airhose I used the coiled water hose for boat wash down the coils are bigger and worked better for me any ways.

Ulterra Transducer Install | Smith Mountain Lake Fishing Forums

A great deal of what works for you is personal preference. I put a new terrova with the lift assist and ipilot link from Brian at BBG marine in May. Unfortunatly you can not run the cord for external transducer up the shaft like the original terrova w/o lift assist. I have the Cornfield Crappie Gear cord adapter (with the specific factory swap out tm transducer) and have had zero issues. It will stop itself in the RARE event it starts to twist up. Fishing 75+days a year it's very important to me to have a way to seperate tm from electronics in a hurry if I need to. With the advancement of electronics, Rickie nailed it spot on......the future for the humminbird guy is 360. Best of luck.

Thanks for all the reply's.
Yes, Mega 360 and Mega Live are part of my future plans. Mounting them is the challenge.
I currently have SI transducer mounted to my Terrova TM IPilot. This is the original Terrova TM and the wire runs up the shaft. Thanks for the info on lift assist compatibility. I'm still running Legacy units, 898 and 899. I understand them and they work for me. I am boat shopping and will get new electronics and TM as well. Trying to develop a plan that is both functional, and cost effective.
During my research, HB hasn't made this easy. They want you to use cable steer and 360 on the bow. I don't like cable steer and see no value with 360 on the bow. Should be on the transom.