tcbass

I'm asking these questions in this thread bc I don't see a lot of reviews of the Ulterra when I google search it. 1.) What's the general consensus on the Minn Kota Ulterras, are they a solid, reliable, unit? 2.) Did they fix the Spotlock feature on them? I thought I read that they shrunk down the radius which it encircles and made them more accurate. 3.) Do they ever go on sale? Like do they normally go on sale at the end of the fishing season? 4.) Where is a good place to buy one, who has the best prices?

Thx guys. I went with a Brad bit and started out in reverse. Once I was through the gelcoat I went forward. Worked great.

Well, since I just spent a ton on this boat I decided I should save some money and went with just mounting it regular. It worked out well. Thx for the help!

What kind of drill bit, wood, metal, other?

I'm waiting for it to go on sale someplace.

I hate cable driven TMs. So I'd never keep the Fortrex.

Does it have to be marine grade silicone?

So I'm attempting to replace the current Minn Kota Fortrex on my Stratos bass boat to a Minn Kota Terrova. I spoke with Minn Kota (they have a chat feature, which I like much better than talking on the phone) and they said that the mounting holes for the Terrova and Ulterra are the same (same footprint I guess) while they are different for the Fortrex. The Minn Kota employee said I'd have to drill new holes or I could use a Minn Kota MKA-47 universal quick release bracket and would not have to drill new holes. The bracket costs $149. I would like to switch the Terrova to an Ulterra this winter when I can find it on sale and I thought that using the bracket might make it easier, but if I go the drill hole route rather than the bracket the holes are already drilled so it wouldn't be too much work changing the two out, not like it was when I went from the Fortrex to the Terrova. The Terrova seems to have a bigger footprint so it could potentially cover the old holes. But if not, I am worried that I'll have 4 big, uncovered, and unsightly holes at the front of my boat though. I don't need a quick release bracket for any other reason, I don't ever take my TM off my boat. I also hate the Fortrex so u don't plan on switching back and forth, the Terrova or Ulterra will be permanent. What would you do, just drill new holes or use the bracket?

I want to swap out my boats Fortrex for a Terrova. I may have to drill 4 new holes. Is there anything special about drilling into fiberglass? I read some things like, you need to champher the hole, drill backwards first, drill with a uni-bit, use masking tape over the hole before you drill it, and such things to avoid cracking the fiberglass. Are these true? Do you need to take such special precautions when drilling into fiberglass to install a TM? I've watched a few videos on installing TMs and the guys appeared to just be using regular drill bits and not doing anything special. No one brought up the fiberglass potentially cracking or chipping. What kind of drill bit, wood, metal, other?

I did think about that. But if all of the mounting holes match up to the Ulterra, Terrova, and Fortrex, I wouldn't need it, no? If I get an Ulterra I plan on that being my permanent TM and won't change it out again.

I'll try. Not sure it would say the mounting holes are the same as the Terrova or Ulterra.

I'll have to check the pickup tube. When I try using the mirrors when I finally see the boat trailer it is way off to one side and then I have to do a huge correction which can be a pain. A cheap backup camera sounds like a good idea.

Cool. Know if they are the same as the Fortrex?

I already have a thread asking if the mounting holes for a Minn Kota Fortrex are the same position as Minn Kota Terrovas, so I wanted to start a seperate thread. I am planning on putting my Terrova on my new boat and taking off the Fortrex. I would like to eventually get an Ulterra and replace the Terrova with that. I was wondering if the mounting holes for the Ulterra are the same as the Terrova, so that I can just swap them out without any drilling. Also, now that the Ulterra's have been out for a few years, do they seem to be solid, reliable trolling motors?

Thx guys. With your advice I went with Progressive and got the Propulsion Plus lower unit coverage.

I want to change the Minn Kota Fortrex trolling motor I have on my new/used Stratos 186VLO with my old Minn Kota Terrova. Those Fortrex are so dang hard to use. The little directional buttons are so much easier to use on the Terrova. I also have small feet and it wore me out attempting to use the Fortrex. I was wondering if the mounting holes for the Terrova and Fortrex are the same, so that I can just throw the Terrova on and bolt it in. Or will I have to drill new holes? If so, what kind of drill bit should I use for the fiberglass hull? Also, is it easy to mount a TM on a bass boat? Do I just open up the little black plate and it gets me to the portion of the boat that I need to be to access the bolts and nuts of the TM? Thanks in advance.

Hello, as most of you know I bought a used 2014 Stratos 186 VLO. I just had it out for the first time. These are my thoughts and issues. Non-fixable issues: 1.) Trailer tongue is too short, cannot lower pickup tailgate when backing up trailer. Much harder to do when you have a steep declining ramp. 2.) Trailer safety cables too short. I could buy some new ones but you'd think these would be standard length. 3.) Rod holders holes are too narrow for spinning rods. I can't believe they don't make the holes big enough for spinning rods. Most every bass fisherman also uses spinning rods. Fixable Issues: 1.) Can't see trailer when backing up with tailgate up........any good trailer guides that that aren't huge white pvc pipe ones? I'm looking for something that would just hold a thin rod up so that I can see the trailer above the tailgate. 2.) Speedometer light doesn't work and the speedometer didn't work. I recorded on my phone the speedometer staying at zero when I was going WOT. I did it again and the speedometer slowly rose to 37 mph with 2 people in it. When I test drove it it went 48mph. I checked electrical wires and they all seemed to be fine. If I have to order a new speedometer where can I order the correct replacement for cheap? 3.) Trim light also does not work. I will be checking out bulb when I get a chance. 4.) Evinrude E-Tec is apparently a 2 stage start outboard. You turn it til it hits one point and 4 lights go on on the rpm gauge. Once those lights go off you turn the key to the right some more and it starts. Well, this one doesn't seem to have a hard stop for the 1st stage and it's easy to go right to starting it without letting the lights turn on and off. Is there a way to fix this? 5.) No boat buckles. That problem will be easily solved though. Forgot how much of a pain it is when you don't have those! 6.) 2 Bank Charger.....the boat has what appears to be a 2 bank Minn Kota charger but has 3 batteries, the 2 for the trolling motor and the 3rd for starting. I believe that they have the 2 TM batteries connected and are charging them with 1 bank while charging the starting battery with the other.....isn't that incorrect? Shouldn't you be using a 3 bank? Other than those issues the boat is great. I love the 115 horse Evinrude E-Tec. I do wish it was a 20 footer. Being my 1st bass boat I realize that you are giving up about 3-4 feet of boat for the driving position and seats because your legs are extended out. I have short legs and can actually sit in it like a regular chair so there's about 2 feet of wasted space. I wonder if the new Lund Bass boat doesn't waste that space since you sit more regular in it. Well, thanks for the help in advance.

Progessive has an option called "Propulsion Plus" which covers the outboard's lower unit, even from wear and tear. Does any insurance cover wear and tear on the outboard motor itself, like the starter?

Nice! Enjoy!

He should get a trolling motor!

I wouldn't doubt this.

Also put antifreeze in here I believe. It keeps the mice from rotting and smelling which will be horrible if you can't unload it quickly. This is a gross way to do it btw, don't ask me how I know. lol

How do you know which one will work for this boat? There are tons of options.

Maybe it was steam. The boat and trailer inspection showed that everything was fine. They ran the engine through a computer. Nice to know that a professional checked it out and that everything is good. $120 for piece of mind isn't bad when purchasing a used boat.

Thanks guys, I'll keep it insured all year long.