Discover the Minn Kota Ultrex Quest Trolling Motor: a brushless, durable, GPS-enhanced powerhouse for bass fishing. Full review with specs and insights.
The Minn Kota Ultrex Quest Trolling Motor represents a pinnacle in trolling motor innovation, combining the rugged reliability of its predecessors with cutting-edge brushless motor technology, enhanced GPS features, and seamless integration with modern fishing electronics. Designed for serious anglers, particularly bass fishermen, this motor elevates boat control, durability, and efficiency to new heights. In this comprehensive review, we explore the Ultrex Quest’s features, performance, and value, drawing from real-world testing, user feedback, and technical specifications to determine if it’s worth the investment for weekend warriors and tournament anglers alike.
Introduction to the Ultrex Quest
Minn Kota has been a trusted name in trolling motors since 1934, consistently pushing the boundaries of fishing technology with innovations like i-Pilot and Spot-Lock. The Ultrex Quest, part of Minn Kota’s Quest series, builds on the legacy of the original Ultrex, introduced in 2017, which revolutionized bass fishing with its cable-steer feel and GPS capabilities. The Quest model introduces a whisper-quiet brushless motor, a reinforced mount, and advanced features like Drift Mode and One-Boat Network integration, making it a top contender in the trolling motor market.
This review dives deep into the Ultrex Quest’s performance, durability, utility, and value, incorporating insights from Tackle Warehouse reviewers, user feedback from forums like BassBoatCentral, and technical details from Minn Kota. Whether you’re a weekend angler or a tournament pro, this article will help you decide if the Ultrex Quest is the right addition to your boat.
Key Features of the Minn Kota Ultrex Quest
The Ultrex Quest is packed with features that cater to the needs of modern anglers. Below, we break down its standout components and innovations.
Brushless Motor Technology
The heart of the Ultrex Quest is its brushless motor, a significant upgrade from the brushed motors of earlier models. Brushless technology offers:
- Increased Efficiency: Up to 50% greater torque and 30% longer runtime compared to standard brushed motors, thanks to Minn Kota’s Digital Maximizer, which optimizes power draw based on speed settings.
- Reduced Noise: The motor operates with minimal noise, even at high power settings, reducing sonar interference and ensuring stealthy operation.
- Enhanced Durability: With fewer moving parts, the brushless motor is less prone to wear, extending the motor’s lifespan.
Real-world testing on a fully loaded Ranger Z20 showed the Ultrex Quest achieving speeds over 4 mph with a 36V configuration, with no prop vibration or interference with down, side, or live sonar transducers.
Robust Construction
The Ultrex Quest is built to withstand the harshest fishing conditions. Key durability enhancements include:
- Carbon Fiber-Infused Shaft: The shaft is reinforced with carbon fiber, making it flexible yet strong enough to handle impacts without breaking.
- Reinforced Motor Mount: The aluminum mount is more rigid than previous models, replacing plastic side plates that were prone to cracking. It includes a Lift-Assist mechanism with a nitrogen-charged gas spring, reducing the effort needed to stow and deploy the motor.
- Durable Power Harness: The power coil is made from improved materials, securely connected to prevent cracking and reduce the need for excessive zip ties.
During an eight-month trial, reviewers subjected the Ultrex Quest to rigorous testing, running it into rocks, through grass beds, and along miles of bank. The motor emerged unscathed, proving its resilience for demanding anglers.
Advanced GPS and Spot-Lock
The Ultrex Quest’s GPS system, part of Minn Kota’s Advanced GPS (formerly i-Pilot/i-Pilot Link), offers unparalleled boat control. Key features include:
- Spot-Lock: Enhanced algorithms ensure the motor holds your boat on a waypoint with pinpoint accuracy, even in windy conditions. Reviewers noted that Spot-Lock engages instantaneously and holds tighter than previous models.
- Drift Mode: A new feature that simulates a drift sock, allowing anglers to maintain a precise heading and speed over ground, ideal for covering expansive flats or fishing in heavy winds.
- Jog and Follow Modes: Jog allows you to move the boat in small increments while maintaining Spot-Lock, while Follow mode integrates with Humminbird LakeMaster cartography to navigate contours and depth ranges automatically.
One-Boat Network Integration
The Ultrex Quest seamlessly integrates with Humminbird fish finders through Minn Kota’s One-Boat Network, creating a “self-driving” fishing experience. Key integration features include:
- Humminbird Compatibility: The motor connects directly to Humminbird APEX and SOLIX units via Ethernet and sonar cables, with adapters included for HELIX models.
- Programmable Foot Pedal Button: A customizable button on the foot pedal can be programmed to deploy shallow-water anchors like Minn Kota Raptor or Talon, mark waypoints, or activate AutoPilot.
- Smartphone App Control: The One-Boat Network app allows full control of the motor, including speed, steering, and GPS functions, from your phone.
- Real-Time Battery Monitoring: Displays battery status and estimated runtime on your Humminbird screen, with an Eco Mode to extend battery life when levels drop below 20%.
Integrated Sonar Options
The Ultrex Quest comes standard with Humminbird’s Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar or optional MEGA Side Imaging, which provides high-resolution down and side scans. The transducer is built into the lower unit, eliminating the need for external mounting unless using forward-facing sonar. However, reviewers noted the lack of seamless cable management for live sonar transducers, which can get caught in vegetation.
Foot Pedal and Steering
The Ultrex Quest retains the cable-steer feel that bass anglers love, combined with power steering responsiveness. The foot pedal includes:
- Programmable Buttons: For Spot-Lock, AutoPilot, and One-Boat Network functions.
- Steering Lock: Eliminates play, ensuring the prop stays pointed exactly where you direct it.
- Smooth Steering: While buttery-smooth, some reviewers found the steering slightly jumpy when making fine adjustments or coming to a stop.
Stow and Deploy Mechanism
The Lift-Assist feature, powered by a gas-charged spring, makes stowing and deploying the motor effortless, cutting the weight in half. The motor automatically aligns the head forward upon deployment and rotates the prop to a safe position (port or starboard) when stowed, protecting live sonar transducers. A clasp-style height adjustment allows tool-free transitions between shallow and deep water.
Performance Analysis
The Ultrex Quest excels in performance, earning an 8.25/10 rating from Tackle Warehouse reviewers. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its performance in real-world conditions.
Speed and Power
The motor’s dual-voltage capability (24V or 36V) offers flexibility for different boat sizes. When paired with a 36V lithium battery setup, it delivers up to 115 lbs of thrust, capable of pulling a 22-foot tritoon pontoon at 3.8 mph or a Phoenix 920 Pro at 4.1 mph. The variable speed motor, combined with the Digital Maximizer, ensures efficient power use, providing over 20 hours of runtime at low speeds and 1.8 hours at full throttle with a 100Ah battery.
The following table, based on user data from a 36V 60Ah Impulse Lithium Battery, illustrates the relationship between speed settings, runtime, and boat speed:
| Speed Setting | Runtime (Hours) | Speed (mph) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | >24 | 0.6 |
| 2 | >24 | 0.8 |
| 3 | >24 | 1.1 |
| 4 | 18 | 1.5 |
| 5 | 10 | 1.8 |
| 6 | 6 | 2.2 |
| 7 | 4 | 2.5 |
| 8 | 2.3 | 2.8 |
| 9 | 1.45 | 3.2 |
| 10 | 0.58 | 3.8 |
This data highlights the non-linear relationship between speed and battery consumption, with optimal efficiency at settings 4–6, offering 10–18 hours of runtime for typical trolling speeds.
Noise and Sonar Performance
The brushless motor’s quiet operation is a standout feature, producing minimal noise even at high speeds. Reviewers reported no interference with Humminbird MEGA Down and Side Imaging, ensuring clear sonar images. The motor’s stability prevents lurching in rough conditions, maintaining consistent boat positioning without excessive thrusting.
Steering and Control
The foot pedal’s cable-steer feel provides the responsiveness bass anglers demand, with quick adjustments in tight situations. However, some users noted slight jerkiness when making fine adjustments, particularly after stopping. The absence of a visible indicator arrow on the power head can make aligning live sonar transducers challenging when the motor is not forward-facing.
Durability: Built to Last
With a durability rating of 9/10, the Ultrex Quest is engineered for the toughest fishing environments. The carbon fiber-infused shaft and reinforced aluminum mount withstood rigorous testing, including collisions with rocks and heavy vegetation. The prop shaft seal is recessed to prevent fishing line or debris from causing damage, and the power harness is robust, requiring minimal maintenance.
User feedback from BassBoatCentral echoes this sentiment. One angler, ThomasD, reported that the motor handled a maiden voyage with ease, with no issues despite demanding conditions. Another user, Sirius Rich, praised the motor’s smooth steering and durability, noting it as a significant improvement over the original Ultrex.
Utility: Maximizing Fishing Efficiency
The Ultrex Quest earns an 8.75/10 for utility, thanks to its integration with modern fishing electronics and advanced navigation features. The One-Boat Network transforms the motor into a comprehensive boat control system, allowing anglers to focus on fishing rather than positioning. Features like Drift Mode and Follow Mode are particularly useful for exploring new waters or fishing long stretches in windy conditions.
The following chart illustrates the connectivity of the One-Boat Network:
This integration allows anglers to control the motor, anchors, and sonar from multiple interfaces, streamlining the fishing experience.
Value: Is It Worth the Price?
Priced at an MSRP of $3,999.99 for the 45” shaft model (with longer shafts at $4,099–$4,199), the Ultrex Quest is a significant investment, earning a 6.5/10 value rating. While more expensive than the original Ultrex ($2,299), it competes well with other high-end trolling motors like the Garmin Force ($3,549–$3,749) and Lowrance Ghost ($3,499–$3,799). The brushless motor, enhanced GPS, and durable construction justify the cost for tournament anglers or those running Humminbird electronics.
User feedback highlights the value for serious anglers. TwinStick, a BassBoatCentral user, noted that the motor’s features convinced him to spend $3,000, while eagle521 sought deals to offset the $4,000 price tag. The motor’s lifetime shaft warranty and two-year (extendable to three with registration) comprehensive warranty add to its long-term value.
Specifications and Pricing
Below are the detailed specifications for the Minn Kota Ultrex Quest:
- Water Type: Freshwater only
- Shaft Lengths: 45”, 52”, 60”
- Thrust Options: 90 lbs (24V), 115 lbs (36V)
- Motor Type: Brushless, dual-voltage
- Sonar Options: Dual Spectrum CHIRP (standard), MEGA Side Imaging (optional)
- Mount Dimensions: 26 11/16″ x 6 1/16″ (45” shaft), 30 7/16″ x 6 1/16″ (52”/60” shaft)
- Power Lead Length: 5’
- Pedal Cord Length: 5’
- Amperage Draw: 60A at maximum speed
- Runtime (100Ah Battery):
- 20+ hours at low speeds
- 3.6 hours at 50% throttle
- 1.8 hours at full throttle
- Box Dimensions and Weight:
- 45” shaft: 11″H x 20″W x 63″L, 97 lbs
- 52” shaft: 11″H x 20″W x 64″L, 99 lbs
- 60” shaft: 11″H x 20″W x 77″L, 104.5 lbs
- Warranty: Lifetime shaft, 2 years (3 with registration)
- MSRP: $3,999.99 (45”), $4,099.99 (52”), $4,199.99 (60”)
Available Upgrades:
- Full-size Advanced GPS Remote: ~$199.99
- MEGA 360 Imaging: ~$1,199.99
- MEGA Live with Target Lock: ~$2,099.99
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Whisper-quiet brushless motor
- Robust carbon fiber shaft and aluminum mount
- Advanced GPS with Spot-Lock and Drift Mode
- Seamless Humminbird integration via One-Boat Network
- Effortless stow and deploy with Lift-Assist
- Programmable foot pedal for customized control
Cons
- High price point ($3,999–$4,199)
- No seamless cable management for live sonar transducers
- Slight jerkiness in steering during fine adjustments
- No visible indicator arrow for aligning live sonar
Real-World User Feedback
BassBoatCentral users provided valuable insights from non-sponsored anglers:
- ThomasD (San Angelo, Texas): “Spot Lock engages instantaneously and holds tighter. Motor is super quiet… Top speed improvement is impressive (4.1 mph vs. 2.8 mph on old Ultrex).”
- Sirius Rich (Houston, Texas): “Steering is as smooth as a baby’s butt. No herky-jerky here.”
- SLYDoggie (Franklin, TN): While reviewing the Ulterra Quest, noted the brushless motor’s efficiency and quiet operation, with Spot-Lock performing flawlessly in windy conditions.
- eagle521 (Matawan, NJ): Expressed hesitation about the $4,000 price but was intrigued by the features, seeking deals to make the purchase more affordable.
These reviews align with Tackle Warehouse’s findings, confirming the motor’s durability, performance, and utility for serious anglers.
Final Verdict
The Minn Kota Ultrex Quest Trolling Motor is a technological marvel that redefines boat control for bass fishing. Its brushless motor, reinforced construction, and advanced GPS features make it a top choice for anglers who demand precision and reliability. While the $3,999–$4,199 price tag is steep, the motor’s durability, efficiency, and integration with Humminbird electronics justify the investment for tournament anglers and dedicated weekend warriors.
Future improvements could include better cable management for live sonar and a visible indicator for transducer alignment. For those running Humminbird systems and seeking a trolling motor that combines cable-steer responsiveness with cutting-edge technology, the Ultrex Quest is unmatched. As one BassBoatCentral user put it, “It’s like having a robotic guide in the front of the boat,” allowing you to focus on catching fish rather than fighting the elements.
For more information or to purchase, visit minnkotamotors.com or TackleWarehouse.com.
Happy Boating!
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