Trolling motors come in many different styles, sizes, and categories. If you’ve been using a trolling motor for any length of time, you may be getting frustrated with the manual stow and deploy features.
Are there any trolling motors that stow and deploy automatically?
Self-deploying trolling motors are still a relatively new idea, but there is one on the market that has been available for several years and has become a favorite with many anglers.
That trolling motor is the Minn Kota Ulterra.
As you’ll see throughout this article, the Ulterra takes the work out of deploying and stowing so you can spend more energy on catching fish.
Want to learn more about this trolling motor, as well as the concept and benefits of self-deploying trolling motors in general?
You’ve come to the right place!
Keep reading to find out all you ever wanted to know about self-deploying trolling motors.
Table of Contents
What are Self-Deploying Trolling Motors?
Most trolling motors have some sort of a latch that you either pull or step on to release.
This unlocks the trolling motor from its stowed position so you can lower the shaft and motor head into the water.
Depending on the trolling motor, you may have to loosen and tighten a knob, pull on a cable, or pop a lever, and you’ll almost certainly have to physically lift the trolling motor in and out of the water.
Some models are heavier than others, and some are easier to deploy than others.
But, by far, the easiest trolling motors to deploy are the ones that deploy themselves.
Self-deploying trolling motors, as you might imagine, are trolling motors that can be deployed automatically, without the use of manual knobs and latches.
There is currently only one self-deploying trolling motor on the market, and that’s Minn Kota’s Ulterra.
The Ulterra will deploy automatically at the push of a button on a wireless remote. In the future, other trolling motor manufacturers may follow this pattern in creating their own self-deploying motors.
Another potential self-deploy method that could be used is by adding an automatic deployment setting to hand tillers and foot control pedals. Again, though, this hasn’t been done yet.
Some trolling motors offer semi-automatic deployment.
The Lowrance Ghost, for example, has a cable that you pull to unlock the motor from its stowed position. Using hydraulic power, it then lowers itself into the water.
Some MotorGuides and Minn Kotas are also designed this way. The cables and hydraulics make stowing and deploying easier, but at the end of the day, some physical effort is still required–they do not stow and deploy fully automatically.
All of these motors, including the Ulterra, usually come with lots of additional high-tech features, such as GPS, autopilot, spot-lock and cruise control. Most are controlled wirelessly, while others have a foot control option.
In fact, getting back to the Ulterra, the only true self-deploying motor on the market has so many great ease-of-use features that it is sometimes referred to as the “lazy man’s trolling motor.”
Of course, that’s not to say that only “lazy men” will benefit from having a self-deploying trolling motor.
The Ulterra, and even some semi-automatic trolling motors, can be useful for a variety of boaters and anglers and a number of different situations.
What are the Benefits of Having a Self-Deploying Trolling Motor?
Self-deploying trolling motors do most of the work themselves, not just when it comes to deploying but also finding your way around the water.
If you struggle with the physical lifting involved with manually-deployed trolling motors, then you’ll see an obvious benefit of upgrading to an Ulterra. But there are other benefits as well.
- Self-deploying trolling motors are the easiest to deploy no matter who you are. Even if you don’t have trouble lifting manually-deployed motors, simply pressing a button on the Ulterra’s remote still makes it much easier to put in and take out of the water.
- Self-deploying trolling motors often have GPS and other great features built in. Minn Kota’s iPilot technology can help you to retrace previous routes, maintain a set speed automatically, and anchor in place without the use of a physical anchor.
- Self-deploying trolling motors may help you catch more fish. Because of their many automatic features, you don’t have to juggle fishing with operating your Ulterra. The motor gets you where you need to go so you can focus on catching fish.
- Self-deploying trolling motors are designed to make your life easier. Whether you have back problems that make lifting difficult or you just want to enjoy fishing without having to mess with your trolling motor, the Ulterra does the work so you don’t have to.
Of course, it’s worth noting that self-deploying motors, even the semi-automatic ones, are going to be much more expensive than your average trolling motor. Are they worth the extra cost?
That depends on your particular needs and preferences.
If you have back issues or other health problems that make stowing and deploying your trolling motor difficult, then investing in a self-deploying motor may make your fishing trips more enjoyable.
If you’re a serious angler who’s always out on the water and you depend on having a quality, premium-grade trolling motor, then a self-deploying motor may be a worthy investment for you as well.
Ultimately, though, you’re the only one who can decide whether the Ulterra or a similar trolling motor is worth the extra money to you.
What Should You Look for When Buying a Self-Deploying Trolling Motor?
So, let’s say you’ve decided that you do want to upgrade to an Ulterra, or at least you’re seriously thinking about it. What are some things you should consider deciding which one to buy?
Size
The Ulterra is fairly large and powerful–it provides between 80 and 112 pounds of thrust, with shaft lengths between 45 and 60 inches.
For this reason, it may be too powerful for smaller boats and is most likely to fit medium and larger boats.
Make sure you know the appropriate size trolling motor for your boat before investing in an Ulterra or any other trolling motor.
To determine the right amount of thrust, figure that you’ll need about 2 pounds of thrust for every 100 pounds of boat (including gear and passengers).
For minimum shaft length, measure from the mounting surface to the waterline, then add 20 inches.
These numbers will give you a rough estimate of the size range you will need when purchasing your new trolling motor.
Deployment Method
As mentioned above, the Ulterra self-deploys automatically at the push of a button on a remote. Semi-automatic trolling motors are usually deployed by pulling on a cable.
Either method will be sufficient for most people, but if you have a preference for pushing a button on a wireless remote, be sure to choose the Ulterra, as it is the only trolling motor that has this option.
Added Features
Semi-automatic trolling motors won’t necessarily have the same features as the Ulterra, and vice versa. If you’re not sure which trolling motor you’re going to choose yet, but you want to make sure it has GPS, you’ll want to double-check that this is included with the trolling motor.
The same goes for other features as well. In the review below, we’ll take a look at Ulterra’s advanced features and compare them against the semi-automatic trolling motors that are available.
Top 3 Picks for You
Self-Deploying Trolling Motor Reviews
1. True Self-Deploying Motor: Minn Kota Ulterra Bow Mount Trolling Motor
Minn Kota’s Ulterra, as the name would seem to suggest, is the ultimate option in terms of self-deploying trolling motors.
This motor was the first, and so far is the only, to offer self-deployment. The motor comes packed with tons of additional features.
- The only trolling motor that can automatically stow and deploy itself with the push of a button, the Minn Kota Ulterra provides convenient control via the included i-Pilot Link remote, foot pedal, or...
- Trim the Ulterra up or down at the push of a button to adjust to changing fishing conditions.
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 06:07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Minn Kota asserts that this motor is “the only trolling motor that can stow and deploy itself with the touch of a button”.
The button is found on a wireless touchscreen remote, which you can use to deploy and operate the motor from anywhere on the boat or even onshore.
The trolling motor provides 80 to 112 pounds of thrust and has 45-, 54-, and 60-inch shaft options, making it great for most medium-sized boats.
The 80-pound thrust models run off of 24 volts, while the 112-pound options require 36 volts.
This trolling motor is the premium choice among self-deploying motors, so it is a great choice for anyone who needs a fully self-deploying motor and is willing to pay the big bucks to get the best of the best.
This trolling motor has a laundry list of high tech features, including:
- Built-in GPS with Spot-Lock to help you find the fish, as well as the ability to retrace previous routes;
- Automatic speed control;
- iPilot Link, which is compatible with separately-sold Humminbird fish finders;
- A built-in transducer which is compatible with separately-sold Humminbird fish finders;
- Automatic stow and deploy and angle adjustment so you can easily adapt to changing water conditions; and
- Included wireless remote and foot pedal so you can operate the motor your way.
The main drawback of this excellent product is that it shouldn’t be used in temperatures under 40 degrees F. Exposure to cold will cause some of the components to wear out faster.
What We Like:
- The Minn Kota name is well-known and dependable.
- The motor comes with tons of great, high-tech features.
- Stow, deploy and adjust the shaft angle all with the touch of a button.
What We Don’t Like:
- Temperatures below 40 degrees F may shorten the motor’s lifespan.
2. Honorable Mention: Lowrance Ghost Bow Mount Trolling Motor
The Lowrance Ghost is known for being one of the quietest, yet most powerfully efficient trolling motors on the market.
It comes in 47- and 52-inch shaft sizes, with available thrusts of 97 and 120 pounds.
- SILENT OPERATION: Move in close with Ghost's ultra-quiet brushless motor - fish will never hear you coming
- RELIABLE: After 4 years and 10,000 testing hours, we have delivered one of the quietest, most reliable, and most powerful trolling motors on the market
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 06:07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This motor does not self-deploy completely, but the built-in hydraulic cable-pull system makes it easy to stow and deploy.
Simply pull the cable, and the hydraulic system will lower the shaft and motor head into the water.
This trolling motor’s features include:
- A brushless motor that makes it run both silently and efficiently;
- An included transducer that gives you sonar power without having to buy extra products;
- A customizable foot pedal that you can configure to your personal preferences; and
- Spot-lock and heading-lock options to help you anchor in place.
This is a great motor for anyone who doesn’t need a fully self-deploying trolling motor but is still in the market for a premium option with great features.
What We Like:
- This motor is brushless, which increases its efficiency, quietness, and lifespan.
- The customizable foot pedal is a fantastic feature.
- This trolling motor is powerful, offering up to 120 pounds of thrust.
What We Don’t Like:
- This is not a true self-deploying trolling motor.
3. Honorable Mention: MotorGuide Tour Pro
The MotorGuide Tour Pro is another advanced trolling motor for the serious angler. It has a 45-inch shaft and provides 82 pounds of thrust, so it will fit most medium-sized boats easily.
- America’s toughest trolling motor with 360° breakaway system, oversized aluminum outer column, aircraft-grade extruded aluminum mount
- No-flex metal control pedal has premium no-slip grip for easy operation and smooth control
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 06:07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Though it isn’t a true self-deploying motor, it has what is called a “zero-gravity lift assist”.
To deploy the motor, you lift it up; it is extremely lightweight. The nitrogen gas spring causes the motor to bounce forward and lower itself smoothly into the water.
The Tour Pro’s features include:
- A built-in transducer for sonar capabilities;
- A durable metal foot pedal with control buttons mounted on the base;
- A highly efficient weedless propeller; and
- Built-in GPS.
This is an excellent motor that combines the quiet operation of a true cable steer motor with the high-tech sonar and GPS capabilities of the modern trolling motor.
What We Like:
- The zero-gravity lift assist makes for easy stow and deployment.
- The weedless propeller cuts easily through underwater vegetation.
- The motor comes with built-in sonar and GPS.
What We Don’t Like:
- This is not a true self-deploying trolling motor.
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 06:07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
The Minn Kota Ulterra, the only true self-deploying trolling motor on the market, makes it easy to enjoy a day of fishing without having to constantly be in control of your trolling motor. The self-deploy function makes it easy to deploy if you struggle with lifting your trolling motor.
While there are no other self-deploying trolling motors currently available, there are several that are much easier to deploy than the average trolling motor. These include the Lowrance Ghost and the Motorguide Tour Pro.
If you’re looking for an easier way to spend your days out on the water, why not consider investing in one of these trolling motors?
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