The Good, the Bad, and the Uglier Truth
As a dockmaster with over two decades of experience, I've seen my fair share of trolling motors come and go. Some have impressed me with their performance, while others have left me wondering what all the fuss is about. So when I got my hands on the Minn Kota Ulterra, I was eager to see if it would live up to the hype.
The Features: A Lot of Bells and Whistles
The Ulterra boasts an impressive list of features that are sure to impress even the most seasoned anglers. For starters, it's got a sleek and rugged design that can withstand the rigors of rough fishing conditions. The motor is also equipped with Minn Kota's proprietary i-Pilot system, which allows for precise control and navigation through even the most treacherous waters.
- AutoPilot: A feature that I've always been a bit skeptical about, but it actually works pretty darn well in practice.
- Spot-Lock: This one's a game-changer for me. Being able to lock onto a spot and keep the boat perfectly stationary is a huge advantage when fishing.
- Remote Control: Because who doesn't love being able to control their motor from the comfort of their favorite chair?
The Ulterra also comes with a range of accessories, including a carrying handle and a battery compartment that's specifically designed for deep-cycle batteries. And let me tell you, it's nice to have all these bells and whistles - but at what cost?
Pros:
- Faster and more precise control than any other trolling motor I've ever used.
- The Spot-Lock feature is a total game-changer for me.
- i-Pilot system is actually pretty intuitive to use, even for an old salt like myself.
Cons:
- Cost: This thing ain't cheap. I mean, it's not just the motor itself - you'll also need to factor in the cost of the i-Pilot system and all the other accessories that come with it.
- Battery life: While the Ulterra is designed to be efficient, I found myself running through batteries a lot faster than I expected. Maybe I'm just not used to using so many features at once?
- Reliability: Now, I know what you're thinking -