Ultrex vs ulterra

I know this is probably been already discussed but...

Ive sold my boat to upgrade to bigger outfit. I had a 55lb terrova on 16ft war eagle going to 18ft xpress pfc. Going volt system and would like honest opinions from actual crappie anglers on which and why. I had very little issues with the terrova over about 8-10yrs so would like to stay minn kota.
Not really interested in auto stow/deploy but the foot pedal of terrova seems similar to ulterra.

I appreciate everyones time and help in advance

Tom

The Ulterra is essentially a Terrova with Auto deploy. The Ultrex combines the response and feedback of a cable steer motor with the GPS functions (spot lock, autopilot, etc.) of an electric steer.

The Ulterra would likely be preferable if you do a lot of trolling or sitting over submerged structure. The Ultrex would be better for dipping timber or dock shooting, where careful maneuvering around obstacles is needed.

Thanks you. Yes do alot spider rigging.....not a whole lot of single poling...do on occasion bass fish but....
I appreciate your advice

Tom

This spring I purchased a new to me rig with a 36V 112 lbs Ulterra. The auto stow/deploy was pretty convenient. The electric steer was an issue for me. I was coming from a small aluminum boat with an old Motorguide. I only spider rig. With that rig I had became used to constantly being on the trolling motor. With the new rig I was a hot mess. The Ulterra was very robotic using the foot pedal. When using the hand remote, it was better but then one of my hands was occupied. It was a pretty rough transition going from an old cable steer to an electric steer. I sold the Ulterra and bought an Ultrex but have yet to install.

Tom, I have the xpress x18pfc. Did you go with the 115 or 150? Mine is a year old and I dropped it off yesterday to repower to the 150.

I run a terrova on mine.
As far as motor, the 115 will push you by yourself about 46mph. When you load it down, fill the livewells and have a partner think 42. If you add a kid to the mix, 38-41. I expected the boat to run mid 50's, it won't. Just wanted you to know what it really does. I absolutely love the boat layout though.
I'm putting an atlas hydraulic jackplate and 150 on mine.

I put a ulterra on my 17ft alumcraft, I fish by myself with a bad back and unloading was a problem. Now put it in the water hit anchor use remote to bring it to dock i love that. To move just hit a button and its stoved. I prefer the feel of cable steer but at 74 the trade off is worth it to me. There is a trade off just what works for you.

Havent ordered yet going next week....thanks for the info everyone.
Still cant decide on which one....

U like terrova? Sometimes mine cant get annoying when stowing with rod holders and such....

With the ulterra, is it always powered stow and deploy or a manual an option

One thing i didn't say, the ulterra is a big honking t.m. on my 17ft alumcraft

I installed an Ulterra yesterday. I fish alone most of the time and during the busiest time of the Spring. The last few years, the lake has been flooded and really creates havoc at the boat ramp being by myself. I'm looking forward to backing in and spot locking out in the water while I park.

I do like my Terrova, but I have busted the steering motor from hitting stumps in flooded timber. Also, i have Livescope now and transducer options are limited.

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Originally Posted by tommyboyrn

With the ulterra, is it always powered stow and deploy or a manual an option

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Always powered for best results. There is a way to do it manually in case of failure but requires a Phillips screwdriver and you have to almost hang over the boat to do it.

I've found that if i just trim it straight up, I don't interfere with my spider racks when moving short distances verses complete stow

Missed your question, it is always auto, if for some reason it won't stow there are instructions how to manually stow have not had to do that but it seems simple. Screwdriver and something to release the t.m. shaft with.

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Originally Posted by Blackjeepjk

I've found that if i just trim it straight up, I don't interfere with my spider racks when moving short distances verses complete stow

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That's a great idea.

All valuable information I appreciate it

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tommyboyrn

With the ulterra, is it always powered stow and deploy or a manual an option

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An Ulterra without auto stow/deploy is essentially a Terrova.

It really boils down to how much you use the foot pedal. Like I posted earlier, if you're constantly on the pedal fishing docks, weedlines, timber, whatever, an Ultrex is probably for you.

If you're rigging with rod holders, pulling cranks/jigs, or sitting stationary, the Ulterra is preferable. A cable steer motor can whip around almost 360* instantly, an electric steer takes several seconds. With a cable, you know which way the motor is pointing without looking by the position of the pedal, it's very intuitive. You need to look at an electric steer.

I have a Terrova and very, very, seldomly touch the pedal, my style of fishing doesn't require it.

Very seldom single pole unless bass fishing
Mainly spider rig and bass fish....i have an older terrova and used to electric pedal but not opposed to cable steer...decisions decisions......

I appreciate everyone input..

Just go ahead and get the Ulterra, if you don't like it you can give it to me. Simple! :scratchhead
You can pair your Ulterra and set course with advanced auto pilot and cruise control, occasionally look up to change course if needed. Remote then can be laid down or hung with lanyard around your neck. I find it easy to long line, tight line and spider rig this way. Only thing bad for me is I have a pontoon and side wind is a factor to be corrected if windy. I ride with mine raised to the straight up position all the time when moving. It saves time when you find a good spot and you can just lower the shaft and hit the prop key. Study it out but it would be nicer if you knew someone who has one and go with them and see for yourself how it works. :highfive

Does the Ultrex also have the remote like the Terrova? I love the remote, but hate the foot pedal on my Terrova.

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Originally Posted by Schmoopie

Does the Ultrex also have the remote like the Terrova? I love the remote, but hate the foot pedal on my Terrova.

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Yep. That's the idea being the Ultrex, it combines the Ipilot functionality with a cable steer foot pedal.

I have considered the Ulterra since I fish alone a lot.

Does anyone know what happens if you have it spot locked an go our of range of the remote? Some of the parking lots are quite a distance away.

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Originally Posted by BobB

Does anyone know what happens if you have it spot locked an go our of range of the remote? Some of the parking lots are quite a distance away.

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Stays in spot lock. The remote will tell you when it loses range. I watched a youtube video a few days ago testing the range. It went like 300-400' before it lost signal.