Ulterra freshwater vs. Riptide

[getlinewet]

Can anyone explain the advantages or disadvantages of a freshwater Minn Kota Ulterra vs. the saltwater version? Also, can anyone tell me if I need a new trolling motor? I currently have the Minn Kota powerdrive 2. What is probable life expectancy for this unit? I've used it very hard for over 6 years now and it seems to be losing power even with fresh batteries, so I'm afraid the motor is just giving out. Has anyone experienced the same problem? Should I just bite the bullet and get a new motor?

Also, the Ulterra looks sweet, but I've noticed several posters complain about problems with the unit. Will it hold up and is it worth $2400?

Thanks for any suggestions.

[mwardncsu]

> Can anyone explain the advantages or disadvantages of a freshwater Minn Kota Ulterra vs. the saltwater version?
white vs. black

The Riptide is supposed to have better salt-water corrosion protection in the paint/coating... the Terrova version (black) can be had with integrated transducer in the nosecone.


On your existing motor - could be the brushes on the motor are worn out perhaps...

[getlinewet]

Thanks Mike. I'm all thumbs so I would have to have the work on the pd2 done at a shop. If it were you, would you just get a new Minn Kota?

[mwardncsu]

It’s not too bad to get the motor apart. Getting it back together takes 3 hands sometimes but doable. But then it might not be that... I assume you’ve pulled the prop and made sure there is not line wrapped on the shaft? If so it could be a cut seal and water has gotten in the motor housing

[getlinewet]

Yes, I pulled the prop and checked...no fishing line around the shaft. I think she's just a gonner and I'll have to suck it up and buy the ulterra

[coheasion]

Hey Jim - this is a good video on hw to repair one of these. Doesnt look too hard - getting past the accent is a bit tought though lol!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5xTHJBuV1Q&ab_channel=2jeffs1

[getlinewet]

Thanks Chris, but it looks like a herculean project for my skill set. I'd botch it for sure.

[coheasion]

Ok - I just thinking you are looking for an excuse to go with the Ulterra! ;-)

[getlinewet]

You may be correcrt That ulterra looks really nice!!

[mattmapple]

If you're using the Minn Kota PowerDrive 2 for over six years and noticing a drop in power, it might be time to consider a replacement. Trolling motors do wear out over time, especially with heavy use. As for the Ulterra, it's an excellent upgrade, offering features like auto-deploy and stow, but it has had some reliability issues, particularly with the deployment mechanism. If you fish in saltwater, go with the Riptide version for corrosion resistance. If you want to explore further options, you might find more details directly here: fishingsun.com/search?q=riptide

The investment is significant, but if you value the convenience and features, it could be worth it. However, if you’re wary of potential issues, you might want to consider a less complex model.