North of 8 - 12/19/2019 2:54 PM
dbach17 - 12/19/2019 2:40 PM
If you were to look at an "apples to apples" Ulterra, this is the configuration you would get: 60" shaft, 36v system, MEGA side and down, with I-Pilot link. That costs $3,300. Garmin motor retails for $3,200. I think you can probably find some sort of deal on either. I was able to get my Garmin for $2,850.
You do get the auto deploy with the Ulterra, so that is an add benefit if you need/want that. Basically the cost is close. I love this thing so far, and paired with the Echomap Ultra they are awesome (wireless pairing, no NMEA necessary). Right now based on my personal experience with all the major brands, I would choose either Hummingbird/Minn Kota or Garmin. Personally went Garmin because of Panoptix LiveScope and couldn't be happier. High quality all around.
The auto deploy is something that would be important to me. I will be 69 when the next soft water season opens and while I am in good physical condition, I figure the trolling motor I buy next year will be my last and maybe when I am 79 lowering or raising a trolling motor in waves will be tough.
Our group runs in age from mid 50's to mid 70's. Self deploying and stowing in the wind is the reason we all have them. Dancing on the front deck bending over to grab the pull rope while bouncing in the waves wasn't working for us. At some point one of us was going to do a header overboard. I feel much,much safer in the waves now.
