Minnkota Ultrex spot lock

I was reading some comments on MinnKota spot lock, and I am wondering if it’s worth it to buy the new Ultrex? Sounds like Motorguide is better? I need to upgrade my bow mount trolling motor. Any suggestions? thanks

I had a 2015 terrova 24v/80 and the spot lock was pretty good however one thing I learned river fishing is you have to point the bow into the current and let the motor hold it against the current. If pointed down river it had a hard time keeping it on a spot. I’d say the spot lock was accurate to within about 10-20ft.

Paul one thing I will say, having a motor with spot lock/ipilot link and using a humminbird it could be set to troll certain contour depths…..amazing feature and used it all the time for walleye fishing.

One thing I’d like to hear is if the new 2017+ terrova’s/ultrex’s released this year are better than the old model by as much as they claim, I hear the new ones are much better.
https://www.trollingmotors.net/blogs/product-news/2017-minn-kota-spot-lock-major-success

I’m not affiliated with the site above in any way, if its not allowed to post a link let me know and I’ll remove it.

Yes, the new spot-lock on the Bluetooth/2017 model Minn Kotas is definitely worth the money. It’s amazing. It consistently holds you within 5ft of the spot, and works great in river current, plus it has the jog feature like the Motorguides have.

Also, you can get spot-lock (iPilot, iPilot Link) on the Ulterra, Terrova, and Powerdrive motors too, not just the top of the line Ultrex.

The new 2017 spot lock is definitely better and worth it. I’ve had all three – the Gen2 iPilot on an Ulterra, a Motorguide Xi5 with PinPoint GPS, and the 2017 Ultrex with the new iPilot. Used them all within a month’s time.

The Motorguide is great when it works. I had more down time than I had good time. Wouldn’t even consider another until I hear they’ve worked out their bugs.

The Ulterra with Gen2 iPilot was great conceptually, especially out on rough water when I didn’t want to have to walk to the bow of the boat in big waves to lift the trolling motor. But the Gen2 iPilot sucked. It would drift 30 feet before it would correct. And when it corrected, you’d better be ready and braced, or it would throw you off the boat.

The Ultrex with the 2017 iPilot is the creme de la creme. You get the best of all worlds. The pedal functions like a bass boat pedal, so if you want to feel the direction you’re going, instead of having to watch the motor head to know, this is your motor. In addition, the remote control allows you to fish like you would as a walleye fisherman (I run Lowrance, so I don’t get the benefits of the Link, but I’m sure it would be awesomer yet). And most importantly, the spot lock is dead on. It holds you within like 5 feet of your spot. Once you’ve moved just a little, it gently corrects and brings you back. This is the motor you want. Whether or not you can afford it is another question altogether.

yes pretty pricey. I figure if I’m going to upgrade I only want to buy the right one. Spot lock would be used only in rough water windy conditions. Thanks for the info guys.

I went from an old Maxxum to an Ultrexx. I really like it. I’ve got an old 1750 Crestliner Fishawk. The 80 lbs of thrust swings my boat around just fine. The spot lock is dynamite. I have nothing to compare it to. It feels like more of a cable drive than an electric motor. Good luck

I have the Terrova. Had the Gen 1 it was pretty good. Would keep you within about 12 to 15 feet. Had the Gen 2 it was TERRIBLE. it was so bad that I didn’t bother to use spot lock. The new Gen 3 is great. Holds within 5 feet even in heavy waves. Love the new model. Almost bought the MG but there was too many bad reviews out there. You will love the new Minkota spot lock.

thanks for your thoughts. time to save up and get a Minnkota