Boaters and anglers know that time on the water should be spent fishing, not fiddling with gear. That is why self-deploying trolling motors—especially the Minn Kota Ultrex - are changing the way we fish. These motors offer the ultimate in hands-free convenience, precision control, and innovative features that make every outing more efficient and enjoyable. At DJ’s Marine, we are proud to carry these game-changing motors for serious anglers and weekend adventurers alike.
What Is a Self-Deploying Trolling Motor?
A self-deploying trolling motor does exactly what the name suggests: it deploys and stows itself automatically at the push of a button. This innovation eliminates the need to physically lift or maneuver the motor—ideal when you are solo on the boat, battling waves, or just want to focus on fishing.
Minn Kota’s Ulterra is the leading self-deploying motor, but the Minn Kota Ultrex stands out for blending traditional cable-steering feel with modern tech, making it a favorite among bass anglers and tournament pros.
Meet the Minn Kota Ultrex: Where Muscle Meets Precision
The Minn Kota Ultrex is not self-deploying like the Ulterra, but it brings something else that is just as valuable: power steering with the familiarity of cable control and cutting-edge GPS features. It is the ideal crossover between old-school reliability and next-gen fishing tech.
Key Features of the Minn Kota Ultrex:
Power Steering & Cable Control
The Ultrex provides cable steering with reduced physical effort. It feels natural to operate for those used to traditional foot pedals, but the steering is assisted electronically—giving you smooth, responsive control with less fatigue.
i-Pilot GPS System
Control your motor via wireless remote or foot pedal. Use Spot-Lock to hold your position with GPS accuracy, AutoPilot to stay on a heading, and even record paths to retrace later. You can focus on casting while Ultrex keeps you exactly where you want to be.
Steering Lock
Move away from the pedal, and the motor keeps heading in the direction you last steered. It’s great for moments when you need to stand, fight a fish, or grab something in the boat.
Lift-Assist Deployment
While not fully self-deploying, the Ultrex’s Lift-Assist system makes stowing and deploying much easier with minimal effort—ideal for anglers who want convenience without full automation.
Ulterra: Fully Self-Deploying Power
If full automation is your top priority, the Minn Kota Ulterra is the gold standard in self-deploying motors. With Auto Stow and Deploy and Power Trim, it offers the most convenience available in a trolling motor today. Deploy or stow your motor from the remote or even from a Humminbird fish finder—no bending, reaching, or struggling.
Ulterra Highlights:
Push-Button Stow/Deploy
One-touch control lets you drop or raise the motor without leaving your seat.
Power Trim
Adjust motor depth on the fly to suit different water conditions without manual effort.
GPS Anchoring with Spot-Lock
Stay locked in place automatically, even in wind or current.
i-Pilot or i-Pilot Link
Control the motor via remote or integrate it with Humminbird systems for seamless route planning and navigation.
Which One Is Right for You?
Choose Ultrex if you love the classic feel of cable steering but want GPS control, steering lock, and minimal-effort deployment.
Choose Ulterra if full automation and remote control of every feature—including stow and deploy—is a must-have.
Both models offer cutting-edge features, rugged design, and the trusted performance of Minn Kota.
Why Shop at DJ’s Marine?
At DJ’s Marine, we offer more than just top-quality products. We provide expert advice, professional installation, and personalized service to help you choose the right motor for your boat and fishing style. Whether you are upgrading to a smarter system or building a new setup from scratch, we are here to make the process smooth and successful.
Final Thoughts
From cable feel to full automation, Minn Kota’s Ultrex and Ulterra trolling motors give you control like never before. Whether it is the Ultrex's hybrid design or the Ulterra’s fully self-deploying convenience, both motors offer advanced features that help you stay focused on fishing, not steering.
Experience the future of boating with Minn Kota—available now at DJ’s Marine.