re: Minn Kota Ulterra or Motorguide Xi5 trolling motor

I have an Ulterra and would recommend it. That said, I had to replace the first one I bought after like a week. That was when they were first released though, and my boat dealer buddy has told me they're having fewer issues with the newer ones.

I personally wouldn't buy a Motorguide of any model because I had a terrible experience with the structural durability of an older hand controlled model on my last boat after replacing a Minn Kota that was on there for 10 years prior. Never had durability issues with Minn Kotas.

The real game changer about the Ulterra is the power trim. If you are a sight fisherman, not having to get off of the casting platform to adjust the trolling motor height, or not having to adjust the trolling motor height every time the weight shifts in the boat, is invaluable. If it broke today out of warranty, I'd go buy a new one tomorrow. I've never had any auto stow/deploy problems with mine.