Printable View
I’m getting ready to rig a new boat with my first Ulterra. I’ve always used a RAM mount trolling motor bracket on my Terrovas to keep the head from banging around when running/trailering. I know it seems to be defeating the reason for having the Ulterra if I have to walk up to the front deck to undo the RAM.
Do you guys use such a tie-down or is the Ulterra less likely to move when compared to a Terrova?
Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app
I do not have anything on mine. It's the long shaft model too. It does bounce some while trailering but it's never given any issues. I've been on a few road trips with it and it's still good as new. Like you, I couldn't see putting something on it that I had to unhook when I didn't have to touch it otherwise.
I haven't needed to use anything while on the water but usually don't fish large open bodies of water.
However I do use this tie down while traveling to and from the lakes. Trolling Motor Tie Down | etrailer.com
Works great, easy to install and easy on your wallet.
Doug, this is just my opinion. I would install it at least for trailering. That where it’s going to get the most abuse. Just undo it in parking lot. Those brackets get a lot of stress put on them by bouncing up and down when on the rd.
If you drive on Illinois roads you wouldn’t have a choice!! Secure it!!
I was headed toward strapping it down for trailering. One has to go to the motor to turn it on anyway as I understand.
I use a ram mount
Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app
I’m on my 2nd one in 4 years. I put 40,000 miles a year on my vehicle pulling my boat. I’ve never had it strapped down....
Regards
Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app
Doug,
The shaft and head has way more flex and slop than a Terrova. Use a Ram BUT, remove it when not in use.
I had one on the Ulterra on my dad's boat. Left on too long and it created shaft memory. Making small direction changed while trolling sucked.
I suggest keeping your Terrova for awhile. You "might" not like the way the Ulterra acts while trolling. That way, you can do what I did. Get rid of it and go back to the Terrova.
Shoot me a call. I'll fill you in on the trolling issues with it. You and I run our stuff the same way.
Thanks Rich. I have a 112 pound RipTide I-pilot 60” as a spare. I have MKA-47 mounts on all my motors so I can change them out in2 minutes. I’ve got to provide TM and electronics for my new BayPro220 so I’ll have to sell my 203 before I can fully rig the 220. I’m going to see if I can find an industry deal on a Helix12 Mega.
Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app
Hi Doug - just thought I’d share some of our experience with these units. My partner has some health issues that give him some issues from time to time and we’ve tried using the auto deploy and stow motors from MinnKota going back to their Genesis models and recently the Ultera units. We have gone through a total of 7 units over that span of time and had issues with every unit. Great concept just never had a good outcome and to add to the problem when issues developed we would inevitably be out on a trip and could not find a service center that had the needed parts for repair. The Ultera was supposed to have had improvements to overcome the issues that the Genesis had but we did not see any improvement. We are currently running both a Terrova and Ultrex that are set up on quick change mounts that we can switch out in 5 minutes or less to accomadate whatever technique we using. We are dyed in the wool MinnKota-Humminbird-Lakemaster users and are happy with the performance of everything. Again we believe the concept of the Ultera is great but we had nothing but issues. Hope this helps.
No. It will fall not out of the saddle.
Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app
I left the word “not” out of the above sentence. Insert “not” where needed.
Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app
This don’t make sense to me and I rote it.
Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app
All I’ll say is good luck with the Ulterra. Gave me so many bad experiences, I sent it back and got a refund. Put my fortrex back on.
I have been running an Ulterra for 3 years now and it has never seen a shop it has been rock solid for me. At times it has taken a pounding on some bigger water when it gets that rough I have a Velcro strap I strap it down to the gunwale would not be with out one now..
I only strap mine down when trailering. Normally i just bend the ram mount out of the way just in case the lake gets rough enough to use it.
Got a question for you guys that run an Ulterra. If something happens and the remote quits, can you stow it manually ?
Yes. The foot control has a stow button. Also with the quick detach plate you, if you have problems, you can pull a pin and remove the whole unit if needed. I have had mine for 2 years and have had no problems. I really love the auto stow /deploy. Really nice in windy conditions. You can get on the big motor and have it ready to go then stow the Ulterra and be on your way.Quote:
Originally Posted by TimY
Also with the quick detach plate you, if you have problems, you can pull a pin and remove the whole unit if needed
If you have to do this, it's recomennded that you send the motor back to have it serviced.
I’ve never tied mine down. And never had a problem.
Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app
You can reset them yourself. There are a few videos on YouTube I had to do it when the batteries went down and it was deployed. I personally love it.
Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app
What issues if any are caused by the overhang of these motors. I am referring to the way their bases extend out over the edge of the boat when stowed. My Fourtrex does not extend beyond the edge of the boat.
That has never caused me any issues....on my last one or my new one. But I have to say I don’t really care for the thing hanging out there like that. But I have 6 bolts in it so it is solid. So far I have not had any issues with the new motor. The old one had to be sent back 3 times in 3 years for extensive repairs. The last time I sent it in the problem was a caused by me. I hit a stump dead on with the motor at full speed setting. My boat was doing 5 MPH. My old motor would at times just decide it would not stow. I would do the manual stow....come home.....put the two arms back together......get the unit to reset and start fishing again. I did this I think about 6-7 times when I had the motor. When the lifting screw motor broke on me last August I decided I wanted a new one with the improved spot lock. So I ordered a new one and gave the old one to a younger gentleman who had been piecing a boat together for about 2 years. He paid I think 180 bucks or so for a new lifting arm motor....had a trolling motor tech reset the unit......and today is working great. I’m glad it was able to be put in use by someone else.Quote:
Originally Posted by Quailtail
Regards
Sent from my iPad using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app