Minn Kota Ultrex vs Ulterra [Which Should You Buy]❓

Choosing between the two Minn Kota trolling motors can be a difficult decision. In this article, I’ll compare the Minn Kota Ultrex and the Minn Kota Ulterra to help you make an informed decision.

A comparison of the features included with each trolling motor is summarized in the list below.

Feature	Minn Kota Ultrex	Minn Kota Ulterra
i-Pilot Link	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Digital Maximiser	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Lift-Assist	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Cable Steering	✅ Yes	❌ No
Electric Steering	❌ No	✅ Yes
Auto Stow and Deploy	❌ No	✅ Yes
Shaft Length	(45”/52”/60”)	(45”/60”/72”)
Price	Check Latest Price	Check Latest Price
Compatibility With Fish Finders	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Compatible With foot pedal or remote control	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Bluetooth connectivity	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

✅ Common Features

Before looking at the differences between the Minn Kota Ultrex and Minn Kota Ulterra, let’s look at their common features.

i-Pilot Link

Both the Ultrex and Ulterra come with Minn Kota’s i-Pilot Link system. 

i-Pilot Link is a GPS-based system that lets you control your trolling motor easily.  The i-Pilot Link system comes with a range of features, as follows:

🔹 Spot-Lock allows you to lock your boat in a fixed position with just the push of a button. 

🔹 It has the capability of creating and saving routes and waypoints. The system will automatically navigate your boat along those routes on future outings.

Digital Maximizer

Minn Kota’s Digital Maximizer technology allows you to conserve battery power so you can spend more time on the water. 

The technology ensures that your trolling motor runs at the optimal speed and power, which helps to extend the battery life.

Lift-Assist

Both models come with Minn Kota’s Lift-Assist feature, which makes it easy to stow and deploy your trolling motor. 

It uses a gas spring to reduce the weight of the motor, making it easier to handle.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Both the Ultrex and Ulterra come with Bluetooth connectivity. It allows you to connect your trolling motor to your smartphone or other devices and control it remotely. 

You can use the Minn Kota app to control your trolling motor, create and save routes, and access a range of other features.

⚖️ Notable Differences

Now that we’ve covered the common features let’s look at the differences between the Minn Kota Ultrex and the Minn Kota Ulterra.

Deployment

One of the key differences between the Ultrex and Ulterra is how they are deployed and the steering mechanisms. 

The Ultrex Has Cable Steering

The Ultrex has a cable-steer design, which requires you to use an easily manipulated foot pedal to control the motor. Some anglers prefer this design because it offers greater control and precision.

The Ulterra Has Electric Steering

The Ulterra, on the other hand, has an electric steer design, meaning you can control the trolling motor with a remote, which is ideal for anglers who want to fish hands-free. 

I prefer this system not only for its ease of use but also for the accuracy that I found it capable of.

Winner Of This Category: The Ulterra Has Electric Steering

The Ulterra Has An Auto Stow And Deploy Feature

One of the standout features of the Ulterra is its Auto Stow and Deploy feature. It allows you to stow and deploy the trolling motor with just the touch of a button. 

It is ideal for fishermen who want to spend less time on boat maintenance and more time fishing.

Winner Of This Category: The Ulterra With Auto Stow and Deploy

Price

Winner Of This Category: The Ultrex wins on price bit has fewer features

🎣 Compatibility With Fish Finders And Accessories

I find it improves the fishing experience when you have the right equipment. I also like “toys,” so my opinion here may be a little suspect with this statement! 

That’s why many anglers opt for trolling motors that are compatible with fish finders and other accessories. 

Minn Kota’s Ultrex and the Ulterra trolling motors are both highly advanced models. They come with a standard range of features that make them perfect for use with fish finders and other accessories.

Compatibility With Fish Finders

The Ultrex and the Ulterra are compatible with a range of fish finders. 

Both trolling motors have a built-in transducer that allows you to connect your fish finder easily. 

It means you can get accurate water depth readings, temperature, and fish locations. This feature is particularly useful when time is limited and you need to locate fish quickly and easily.

Minn Kota’s i-Pilot Link system also makes it easy to use your fish finder. 

You can create and save routes and waypoints based on your fish finder readings, and the system will automatically navigate your boat along those routes. 

It means you can spend less of your valuable time searching for fish and more of it catching them.

Compatibility With Other Accessories

The Ultrex and Ulterra are also compatible with various other accessories. 

For example, you can connect your trolling motor to a foot pedal or remote control, allowing you to control it easily. It is handy because, as an angler, you will want to fish with your hands-free.

Both models also have Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect your trolling motor to your smartphone or other devices. 

It means you can control your trolling motor remotely, create and save routes, and access various other features.

Minn Kota also offers a range of accessories designed to work with their trolling motors. 

For example, you can purchase a quick-release bracket that makes it easy to remove your trolling motor when you’re not using it. 

You can also purchase a range of propellers designed to optimize your trolling motor’s performance.

🔄️ Alternatives To The Ultrex And Ulterra

While the Minn Kota Ultrex and the Minn Kota Ulterra are great options for anglers looking for trolling motors compatible with fish finders and other accessories, other alternatives are available on the market.

The MotorGuide Xi5

This trolling motor also comes with a built-in transducer that allows you to connect your fish finder easily, and it is also compatible with a range of other accessories. 

The Xi5 also comes with a wireless foot pedal. It lets you control the motor hands-free and offers GPS anchoring and navigation features.

Garmin Force

This trolling motor has a built-in transducer and is compatible with various other accessories. 

The Force offers wireless control options, including a wireless foot pedal and a smartphone app, and it also offers GPS anchoring and navigation features.

Ultimately, choosing these trolling motors will depend on your needs and preferences. Always research and compare the features and prices of the different models. 

Before purchasing, you can weigh the differences and decide on the right size electric trolling motor for your fishing needs.

🏆 Final Verdict

Choosing between the Minn Kota Ultrex and the Ulterra can be a difficult decision. 

Both models are highly advanced. Each unit includes a wide range of standard trolling motor features, making either one an excellent choice for anglers.

The Ultrex is a cable-steer trolling motor offering greater control and precision, while the Ulterra is an electric steer trolling motor allowing hands-free fishing. 

The Ulterra also comes with advanced features such as Auto Stow and Deploy, making it ideal for anglers who want less time on boat maintenance. 

Ultimately, which of the two trolling motors is most suited for your needs will depend on your circumstances and the available budget. My choice is below!