Interested in

[Bduck]

I'm considering getting a bow mount electric trolling motor. Would like to hear from those who have one.

Which motor do you have?

What features drove you to get one?

Are you satisfied with it?

Ease of maintenance or maintaining?

Is or was price an issue?

Are there any regrets of your purchase?

[BYUHunter]

I have had three now: An old Motorguide (junk) an 80lb 60" shaft Terrova, and my current 112lb 72" shaft Terrova.

Price is not a factor in my decision making. My buddy had an Ulterra that had nothing but issues with the auto-deploy, which led me to the Terrova without auto-deploy.

Spot-lock and autopilot are non-negotiables in choosing a trolling motor, IMO. Those are my two favorite features.

The battery use is also surprisingly economical. I have a 36v 100 AH lithium, and can go for 4 solid days of fishing without a charge.

In terms of maintenance - none. When I kill this one, I will probably do the Garmin Kraken, because I much prefer Garmin electronics to Humminbird, and want to integrate my chart plotters with the trolling motor.

[wiperhunter2]

MinnKota is what I have, 24 vt 80 lb thrust. I have had several of them but when I got a I pilot, it was a game changer for me, love the auto pilot feature but spot lock is great also. I have never had an issue with mine, zero maintenance but I know Robert(liketrolling) has, but few of us use ours as much as he does. Just love being able to point the boat in the direction I want to go and let I pilot do the steering.

[chubby chaser]

I use an 80# Terrova on the front of my 22' tritoon. It has the remote which in my opinion is a MUST HAVE, since you can steer and control the boat from anywhere. Spot lock is awesome, get that for sure. The motor has been flawless after the 4th year of use, but the batteries are a hassle. I've used lead acid and have considered switching to lithium because I hear they are longer lasting and require less maintenance. The lead acid have required replacement every other year but when they work, the motor is awesome. I like the 24V option since my boat has a battery compartment just big enough for 2 12v's. I wouldnt mind a little more power, but even for my big boat, the 80# does great. With the new mini lithiums coming out, maybe Ill upgrade down the road.

[Panchodog]

I run a Minn Kota Powerdrive. 60" shaft, 24V 70# thrust. This is on a 16.5' boat.
99 % of my fishing is stillwater fly fishing for trout and bass. I bought a new boat in 2021. My salesman spent about 30 minutes asking me lots of detailed questions about where and how I fish from first spring trip to last fall trip. He told me he would be real happy to sell me a terrova or an ulterra but that the powerdrive would be great for most of my fishing. And it has been.
Love the fob controller. Spotlock is a game changer. The ability to record tracks or spots is super cool.
Would absolutely get another when/if this one dies.

[brookie]

I run a 24 V Ulterra, 60" 80lb thrust. My batteries will go most of a day constantly trolling (no gas kicker). Here is the one drawback with the Ulterra - If you run your Li batteries out and the motor is deployed, you cannot automatically stow the motor. That means you have to do it manually with a screwdriver and a strap and then fix it when you get home - yeah a real problem - I can't stress enough, DON'T run out of battery on the water. I now have two LiTime 12V batteries with blue tooth so I can see the charge left while on the water - blue tooth is my can't do without. All this said, for the most part I really like the Ulterra, however if I were to do it again, I would get the 36 V and a 36V LI battery (with blue tooth). Even with the problem of running out of battery on the water, I really like the auto deploy/stow - I just have to keep my routine and not run out of battery.
The I-pilot feature is a must have, won't ever go without that again. Since most of my fishing is trolling, I could care less about the spot lock. I have used spot lock exactly twice hitting it by mistake which really messes up your lines when trolling.

[MrShane]

I run a 24 V Ulterra, 60" 80lb thrust. My batteries will go most of a day constantly trolling (no gas kicker). Here is the one drawback with the Ulterra - If you run your Li batteries out and the motor is deployed, you cannot automatically stow the motor. That means you have to do it manually with a screwdriver and a strap and then fix it when you get home - yeah a real problem - I can't stress enough, DON'T run out of battery on the water. I now have two LiTime 12V batteries with blue tooth so I can see the charge left while on the water - blue tooth is my can't do without. All this said, for the most part I really like the Ulterra, however if I were to do it again, I would get the 36 V and a 36V LI battery (with blue tooth). Even with the problem of running out of battery on the water, I really like the auto deploy/stow - I just have to keep my routine and not run out of battery.
The I-pilot feature is a must have, won't ever go without that again. Since most of my fishing is trolling, I could care less about the spot lock. I have used spot lock exactly twice hitting it by mistake which really messes up your lines when trolling.

Ulterra hands down for the auto stow/deploy.
Bought the first gen in ‘15 or ‘16.
Priceless.
I self launch majority of my trips.
And, I catch many more fish than when I had a Terrova.
I am not lazy to fish poor or mediocre spots anymore with the Ulterra, since it is so easy to deploy.
iPilot is not as good on first gen as second gen.
I also run a Suzuki kicker with battery-less EFI (has rope start along with electric start).
I carry a set of jumper cables in my boat.
If I drain all three batteries I can simply fire up Suzuki and after 10 minutes I have charged battery enough to fire up big motor and also stow Ulterra.
If you have Ulterra mount it on one of the removable plates. Then if you do have a problem simply pull a pin in the plate and lift motor in to boat until you get home and recharge batteries.
Have fun!

[Humbadingo]

I have had 4 Minn Kota's on 4 different boats and had absolutely no issues with any of them. The iPilot is a must have and a game changer. I am currently boatless and fishing from a Kayak with at MotorGuide. It does the job I reckon. The issues I've had with it is that it does not track well. I have calibrated the GPS multiple times to no avail. Also I don't like the remote compared to the Minn Kota. It is small with no display. The Minn Kota's remote has a display with all the info for your trolling motor on it.

[dubob]

I'm considering getting a bow mount electric trolling motor. Would like to hear from those who have one.

Which motor do you have?

Minn Kota (MK) Ulterra Quest, 24 v, 60 " shaft.

What features drove you to get one?

My first real fishing boat back in 2004 actually came with one.  I learned all the functions it offered and haven't been without one since.  Push with the gas kicker and steer with electric.

Are you satisfied with it?

100%

Ease of maintenance or maintaining?

I'm not aware of any problems or maintenance issues.

Is or was price an issue?

My new MK Ulterra Quest was a $4,600 option on my new Lund.  Two lithium 12 v batteries were $600.
Worth every penny.

Are there any regrets of your purchase?

None what so ever.

[Mildog]

FYI One important note ***if using lithium batteries and a brushed type electric motor
DO NOT RUN ABOVE POWER 8 FOR EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME!
Minnkota quest new models are brushless can handle lithiums as many of the others can as they use brushless motors lithiums are no problem on those.
The continuous higher output of lithium can burn up brushed motors!

---

I’m using li-time lithiums IMHO from doing some research great batteries great price ..,, time will tell
I got Bluetooth models so I can track power status and usage. It’s early but working great and have heard lots of positives in them and they are almost half of other brands. Then specials and discounts if interested watch for deals!

[dubob]

FYI One important note ***if using lithium batteries and a brushed type electric motor
DO NOT RUN ABOVE POWER 8 FOR EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME!
Minnkota quest new models are brushless can handle  lithiums as many of the others can as they use brushless motors lithiums are no problem on those.
The continuous higher output of lithium can burn up brushed motors!

---

I’m using li-time lithiums IMHO from doing some research great batteries great price ..,, time will tell
I got Bluetooth models so I can track power status and usage. It’s early but working great and have heard lots of positives in them and they are almost half of other brands. Then specials and discounts if interested watch for deals!

I'll second all that.  I too bought Li Time batteries.  I have the Ulterra Quest trolling motor and my batteries are 12 v, 140 aH.  I got two batteries for $615 total direct from Li Time (free shipping).  Li Time also offers a 165 ah, 12 v.  They are Smart (bluetooth) batteries (monitor them on your phone) and will work down to -4 degrees F.  But you can't charge them below 32 degrees F.If you're considering going lithium, check out Li Time compared to the ones costing over $1,000 each.

[chubby chaser]

FYI One important note ***if using lithium batteries and a brushed type electric motor
DO NOT RUN ABOVE POWER 8 FOR EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME!
Minnkota quest new models are brushless can handle  lithiums as many of the others can as they use brushless motors lithiums are no problem on those.
The continuous higher output of lithium can burn up brushed motors!

---

I’m using li-time lithiums IMHO from doing some research great batteries great price ..,, time will tell
I got Bluetooth models so I can track power status and usage. It’s early but working great and have heard lots of positives in them and they are almost half of other brands. Then specials and discounts if interested watch for deals!

I'll second all that.  I too bought Li Time batteries.  I have the Ulterra Quest trolling motor and my batteries are 12 v, 140 aH.  I got two batteries for $615 total direct from Li Time (free shipping).  Li Time also offers a 165 ah, 12 v.  They are Smart (bluetooth) batteries (monitor them on your phone) and will work down to -4 degrees F.  But you can't charge them below 32 degrees F.If you're considering going lithium, check out Li Time compared to the ones costing over $1,000 each.

this is helpful to know, I see their ads all over the place and have wondered if they are  good legit product. If I update to Lithium down the road, it's good to know these are a good brand.

[a_bow_nut]

I ran the Terrova for a few years before switching to the Lowrance Ghost. I liked the Terrova as a motor but their foot pedal is a joke while working shorelines. I don't like having to look at the motor to see which way it is pointing before turning it on to adjust your position. The Ghost has the same feel as the old cable steer motors. This way I have an idea where the motor is pointing just by the position of my foot. Secondly I'm running a Lowrance finder and it is nice to be able to control the motor from the finder. Lastly the remote is about the size of a key fob and covers the functions that I need while taking care of things.

[MrShane]

I ran the Terrova for a few years before switching to the Lowrance Ghost. I liked the Terrova as a motor but their foot pedal is a joke while working shorelines. I don't like having to look at the motor to see which way it is pointing before turning it on to adjust your position. The Ghost has the same feel as the old cable steer motors. This way I have an idea where the motor is pointing just by the position of my foot. Secondly I'm running a Lowrance finder and it is nice to be able to control the motor from the finder. Lastly the remote is about the size of a key fob and covers the functions that I need while taking care of things.

That Ghost looks like a great motor.
Bummer it does not have auto stow/deploy.
Maybe in the next year or two Lowrance will add it?

---

FYI One important note ***if using lithium batteries and a brushed type electric motor
DO NOT RUN ABOVE POWER 8 FOR EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME!
Minnkota quest new models are brushless can handle  lithiums as many of the others can as they use brushless motors lithiums are no problem on those.
The continuous higher output of lithium can burn up brushed motors!

---

I’m using li-time lithiums IMHO from doing some research great batteries great price ..,, time will tell
I got Bluetooth models so I can track power status and usage. It’s early but working great and have heard lots of positives in them and they are almost half of other brands. Then specials and discounts if interested watch for deals!

I'll second all that.  I too bought Li Time batteries.  I have the Ulterra Quest trolling motor and my batteries are 12 v, 140 aH.  I got two batteries for $615 total direct from Li Time (free shipping).  Li Time also offers a 165 ah, 12 v.  They are Smart (bluetooth) batteries (monitor them on your phone) and will work down to -4 degrees F.  But you can't charge them below 32 degrees F.If you're considering going lithium, check out Li Time compared to the ones costing over $1,000 each.

Bob,
While I have had fantastic results with the cheap Walmart flooded lead batteries in my boat (2xGroup 27) I would not mind lighter weight batteries up front.
I will be looking forward to hearing how your system treats you!
Shane

[Bduck]

Thanks to all that responded, hope more will chime in. Sounds like the Minnkota motor is the way to look. I would have to consider Lithium batteries also.

[RILEYFISH]

Minnkota all day! 24 volt 60” shaft. Knowing you like I do, I would go the
Ulterra. Extra money but for you and , worth it. Go look at Dave’s. He has the set up you want!

[EyLayo]

Alot of good info already. I will add, if going with the Ulterra, be mindful of the stow/deploy belt while traveling on the road. Being at the front of the boat, it is exposed to all the nasty. Salt spray, bug guts, sandy grit, and.... wind. The belt sure slaps and whips around alot while on the freeway. I can only imagine the premature wear and tear that causes. And yes, mine is adjusted to the proper tension per Minn Kota specs. I would like to have a nice cover sewn up to keep it protected, but until then I just have it on a quick disconnect plate and remove it when I'm done for the day. Also +1 for the LiTime battery. I'm over 3 years on mine without a hiccup. Switched the cranking battery over to their dual purpose model last fall also. Still too early for a reliability recommendation. But, so far no issues.

[Bduck]

Minnkota all day! 24 volt 60” shaft. Knowing you like I do, I would go the
Ulterra. Extra money but for you and , worth it. Go look at Dave’s. He has the set up you want!

Hey Mark, I have seen Daves, never fished off of his current boat. The self-deploy model has caught my eye and would a great addition.

[Gone Forever]

I upgraded from an old 12V 36lb PowerDrive to a new Terrova 24 volt 80lb in a 60" shaft. I also wanted the built in transducer which I got in CHIRP, not mega down or side imaging. This is so I can add a Hummingbird Helix and have them work together while my Garmin will provide Side Imaging for me.
This year I will be running 2 LA batteries from Interstate, just because they are almost new and it looks like the LI's are getting smaller which will help with my battery location on my boat.

I am just getting the motor mounted on the boat today, but if all goes as expected I should be on the water very soon.
I am looking forward to spot lock and using the fob as well as the foot pedal. That was a big part of my choice, I wanted BOTH the foot control and the fob. Fob for E-Z and foot control for when my hands are full.
Was on sale at BPS for $$2,000, with tax 2,200 but my military discount canceled that so I've got 2K into it so far but need to buy a quick release bracket. I've already got the 60 amp breaker, the 4AWG tinned cables and a Perko #1, or #2 or Both or all off battery switch.

[MrShane]

I have wired up a handful of motors for myself and friends.
As far as disconnect plugs go, the Battery Tender plug has been the absolutely best one I have ever used.
Easy to wire, and strong as all get out.