My New Minnkota Ulterra trolling motor

[Kaz]

I was up to LOTW last week with my new Ulterra trolling motor with the spot lock anchor. Well it worked well for the first three days in the wind and it held us at anchor even though  the wind was unbelievable. Then on Thursday we tried to go out the Wheeler Gap and it was now even worse. I turned back into four mile bay and went to deploy the spot lock anchor and the trolling motor jumped off the bow and landed in the water. Thank goodness it didn't sink because the power cord held it. My eyes were like saucers and I couldn't believe what happened. I pulled on the power cord until I could reach the motor shaft and pulled it into the boat. The reason I'm telling this is because the lock to hold it to the mounting plate is half plastic. The plastic part had crumbled and that was the reason it jump overboard. If you have a Minnkota trolling motor with a quick release mount, check the locking to see if your is starting to fail. I now have heard of one other person who had the same thing happen. I've only had mine for a few weeks and used it once. Cabela's said they would check to see if there is a different mount so this will not happen again. I plan to be back on the water soon..  Post if you have had a similar problem or know someone who has.. Thanks Kaz

Edited June 21, 2017 by Kaz

[cheapicetrick]

What kind of quick release plate do you have? I have the same trolling motor but haven't had any issues yet could have been a spendy anchor at the gap. Glad to hear you got it back in the boat!

[Kaz]

I'm not sure if it's a Minnkota or other after market brand. Cabela's service center installed it and provided the quick release mount. When I took it back to them and showed the problem, they did not question the failure. Look at the lock on yours and see if when you push the locking lever over if the part of the lock is plastic or some other type non metallic material. The stub on the bottom of the motor itself is metal and connects to the plastic in the base. That's where the issue of failure lies.. If your is plastic too, then I'd question the safety and complain to who ever sold you that mount and get one that is much stronger and will not crumble like mine did.. Good luck.. I'll post the results after I find out what Cabela's comes up with... Kaz 

[cheapicetrick]

Thanks for the information. I believe yours must be different by the sounds of it. Mine looks like the one below. A bolt actually goes through the pin and bolts onto the actual trolling motor and you have to pull the lever completely out to remove it from the boat.

 

[Hines R]

Glad it didn't take a swim. My buddy had one of the cheaper Minnkotas deploy while he was up on plane using the main motor.  Needless to say it was a weak pin in the release system. It was a rental boat so he didn't have to deal with it. Bent the heck out of the stem portion. It was fully modified!

 

Didnt know now you were still going up to LOTW. Thought you were selling the place. Assuming you don't have the Sportcraft anymore since I don't think you'd put a Minnkota on that. If you still have the Sportcraft I know someone that might be interested in it. 

 

I head up to South end out of Wheelers point tomorrow after work. Up for 2 weeks. Touch base with me if you are coming up or have the Sportcraft still for sale.

 

Ryan

[ifishwalleye]

Thanks for the information!  Whenever I'm moving, I use a ram mount to secure my bow mount. I just got the Ulterra this spring. 

I had a Terova on my last boat. I was going across the lake in 3 footers and the locking mechanism failed and the motor deployed. Ever since then, I secure it for a piece of mind. 

[blue_healer_guy]

speaking of a terova with spot lock, where can I buy one, cant find anybody that has them and what do they cost.

[h8go4s]

You can't find one? How much do they cost? Try Cabela's for starters.All the I-Pilot and I-Pilot Link models have Spot-lock.

 

http://www.cabelas.com/browse.cmd?categoryId=734095080&CQ_search=terrova

 

https://www.minnkotamotors.com/Trolling-Motors/Freshwater-Bow-Mount/New-Terrova/

Edited June 27, 2017 by h8go4s

[blue_healer_guy]

I live 10 min from cabelas and they have like 4 trolling motors on the floor.... dont like buying something i cant look at.

[h8go4s]

Surely they have a Terrova on the floor. Doesn't matter what size THEY ALL LOOK THE SAME. Also, boat dealers have showrooms with all kinds of stuff mounted on boats.

[blue_healer_guy]

Boy, some people must just hate their life.

[h8go4s]

Blue_Healer (Shouldn't that be heeler, not healer? http://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/Blue_Heeler ) "Thanks for the advice. Nobody else would help."

 

Me: "You're welcome. Did you check the websites I referenced? Did you stop at any boat dealers? "

[ZachD]

Play nice now

[blue_healer_guy]

Actually a blue healer is beer, nice try tho.

[h8go4s]

It's still spelled heeler, not healer.

 

 

http://www.blueheeler.com.au/product.html

[blue_healer_guy]

Wrong again, its actually a slang term for bush lite.

[h8go4s]

Not wrong. Blue Heeler. This is a real beer, not some made-up nickname for a light beer that nobody in their right mind drinks.