Trolling motors are an essential tool for anglers, providing thrust and maneuverability to precisely position your boat. Two of the most popular trolling motors on the market are the Minn Kota Ulterra and the Minn Kota Terrova.
But with similar features and overlapping price points, which model is the better choice for your needs?
In this in-depth comparison guide, we’ll examine the key differences between the Ulterra and Terrova trolling motors.
We’ll look at performance, control systems, mounting and deployment, and other factors to help you determine which motor is the right fit for your fishing style and boat setup.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Ulterra | Terrova |
| Thrust Options | 55lb, 70lb, 80lb, 101lb, 112lb | 55lb, 70lb, 80lb, 101lb, 112lb |
| Shaft Lengths | 52″, 60″ | 45″, 60″, 72″ |
| Control | Foot pedal, wireless remote, autopilot | Foot pedal, wireless remote |
| Deployment | Fully automatic | Manual |
| Mount | Quick release | Removeable |
| Motor | Brushless DC | Brushless DC |
| Battery Meter | Integrated | Integrated |
| Charging | Requires external charger | Requires external charger |
| Spot Lock | With PowerDrive autopilot | Requires I-Pilot upgrade |
| LED Lights | Built-in | Requires accessory |
| Bluetooth Speaker | Accessory | Not available |
| Navigation Lights | Accessory | Accessory |
Overview and Specs
The Minn Kota Ulterra and Terrova are both “universal” trolling motors, meaning they can be mounted on either the bow or transom of your boat. Here are some of the basic specs:
Ulterra
- Thrust Options: 55 lb, 70 lb, 80 lb, 101 lb, 112 lb
- Control: Foot pedal and wireless remote
- Deployment: Fully automatic stow and deploy
- Shaft Length: 52” or 60”
- Motor Type: Brushless DC
Terrova
- Thrust Options: 55 lb, 70 lb, 80 lb, 101 lb, 112 lb
- Control: Foot pedal and wireless remote
- Deployment: Manual stow and deploy
- Shaft Length: 45” 60” or 72”
- Motor Type: Brushless DC
Both motors utilize Minn Kota’s brushless DC motors which are quiet, cool-running, and efficient. The Ulterra offers fewer shaft length choices but adds full automatic deployment. The Terrova provides manual deployment but across a wider range of shaft lengths.
Also Read: Differences Between Haswing And Minn Kota Trolling Motors.
Key Differences Between Minn Kota Ulterra And Terrova Trolling Motors
Performance
When it comes to pure thrust, speed, and responsiveness, the Ulterra and Terrova are evenly matched. They share the same motor performance specs within their available thrust sizes.
The speed range tops out around 5.5 mph on each model. While not necessarily fast, this gives ample speed for positioning and traversing large areas. Speed is controlled via a foot pedal or wireless remote.
Thrust on both motors is delivered smoothly and consistently even under heavy loads. The brushless motors hum along quietly without jarring torque changes.
For most fishing scenarios, there is no noticeable performance difference between the Ulterra and Terrova. Speed and thrust parameters are controlled with precision regardless of conditions.
Control Systems
A trolling motor’s control system allows you to command speed, steering, prop pitch, and more. The Ulterra and Terrova use an integrated system with foot pedal and wireless remote control.
- Foot Pedal
Both motors come standard with a stowable metal foot pedal for hands-free control. The pedal provides precise speed variability from zero to full speed. Twist left or right engages the steering, while “trimming” your foot adjusts prop pitch to fine tune thrust delivery. An indicator light built into the pedal lets you monitor battery life.
The Ulterra’s pedal has one unique feature: tap it down quickly to automatically stow and deploy the motor. Other than that, the pedals operate identically.
- Wireless Remote
Included with both motors is a multi-function wireless remote that duplicates the speed, steering, and prop pitch controls of the foot pedal.
This allows for complete motor command from anywhere in the boat.
The remotes connect via Bluetooth and transmit commands on a shielded 2.4 Ghz frequency.
Response is instant with no lag or interference.
Both remotes are ergonomic and similar in appearance.
The Ulterra’s remote has one additional button to activate the PowerDrive autopilot (covered below).
- Autopilot
The Ulterra takes the integrated control system one step further by adding GPS-powered autopilot to keep the boat on a selected heading. This PowerDrive autopilot works independently or via remote command.
To engage it, simply hold the corresponding remote button and the motor will take over steering. The autopilot can track a heading, follow a shoreline contour, or retrace a recorded track. It uses GPS and integrated sonar to navigate around impediments.
The Terrova lacks autopilot capability out of the box. You can add it with the purchase of a universal Minn Kota autopilot accessory, but this involves additional cost and installation.
Also Read: Comparison of Minn Kota AutoPilot And i-Pilot.
Mounting and Deployment
Mounting style and deployment method are two important factors that differentiate the Ulterra and Terrova:
- Mounting: Both motors can be mounted to the bow or transom. The Ulterra uses a quick-release bracket that stays attached to the boat. The Terrova has a removable mounting bracket.
- Deployment (Ulterra): With the touch of a button, the Ulterra will automatically lower itself into the water and stow itself out of the water. Using GPS and integrated sonar, it will automatically avoid obstacles when deploying and retracting.
- Deployment (Terrova): The Terrova requires manual stowing and deployment. To lower it, you must physically tilt the motor down until it clicks into the deploy position. To stow it, manually raise the motor into the retracted position.
The Ulterra’s fully automated, hands-free power deployment is a huge convenience bonus. At the end of your fishing day you can stow the motor without leaving your seat. The Terrova’s manual process is more time-consuming.
However, the Terrova’s removeable mount leaves open the possibility of using a quick-release mount accessory like the Minn Kota DeckHand 40. So there are trade-offs to consider between the motors’ mounting and deployment approaches.
Battery/Power
Battery and power management are key considerations for an electric trolling motor. Here are some of the power supply differences:
- Batteries – Both motors can connect to 12V marine batteries or larger 24V systems. The Ulterra comes standard with a 60-amp breaker, while the Terrova has a 50-amp breaker.
- Battery Meter – Each motor has a battery meter built into the foot pedal to monitor voltage levels and prevent over-discharge.
- Charging – Neither motor has integrated charging capability. You must use a standalone charger to recharge batteries between trips.
- Power Options – For the Ulterra, Minn Kota offers an add-on 84-lb lithium “Power Center” external battery to provide extended run time. There is no equivalent for the Terrova, but you could use an aftermarket battery box.
Both motors can tap into some seriously large battery banks if hooked up properly. This enables all-day fishing trips without power concerns. The Ulterra’s integrated battery meter and proprietary add-on power source give it a slight edge in the power department.
Additional Features and Upgrades
The Ulterra and Terrova each have a few unique features and available add-ons:
Ulterra Upgrades
- Built-in LED spotlight at three brightness levels
- Bluetooth speaker kit for music
- Navigation lights for required nighttime operation
- 45” shaft length accessory available. Watch this little demo of it!
Terrova Upgrades
- I-Pilot Link accessory – Adds autopilot control and “Spot Lock” GPS anchoring
- Universal sonar accessory – Shows depth and fish targets on remote
- Navigation lights for nighttime use
- 45”, 60”, and 72” shaft length options
While both units can be enhanced with upgrades, the Ulterra comes out of the box with more built-in features like lights and longer shaft length. The Terrova can match it with add-ons, albeit at an additional cost.
Cost Comparison
With similar performance and design, cost often drives the final decision between the Ulterra and Terrova. Here are the MSRP prices for some common configurations:
- Ulterra 80 lb 52” – $2,299
- Terrova 80 lb 52” – $1,899
- Ulterra 112 lb 60” – $2,499
- Terrova 112 lb 60” – $2,099
As you’d expect, the Ulterra commands around a $400 premium over a comparable Terrova. You’re paying extra for the automated deployment and control system. However, the Terrova can also get pricey once you add accessories to match the Ulterra’s offerings.
No matter which route you choose, these motors represent a serious investment. Identify the key features you need before making a final purchasing decision.
Also Read: Comparison of Yamaha SHO And Regular Outboard Motors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Interference causing autopilot steering issues – This can often be resolved by changing the frequency settings.
2. Motor not fully retracting – Lubricating pivot points and tightening mount bolts can help.
3. Mount coming loose due to vibration – Make sure the mount is properly tightened at regular intervals.
4. Water intrusion into foot pedal – Avoid submerging pedal and store motor upright when not in use.
The Ulterra costs more, but offers great convenience with its automated hands-free operation. For boaters wanting the latest technology and most effortless experience, the Ulterra is likely worth the extra investment. Anglers on a budget can still enjoy a great experience with the Terrova.
The Ultrex is an older model that the Ulterra improves upon. The Ulterra has a redesigned mount, Bluetooth connectivity, longer battery life, and smoother operation. Unless found at a steep discount, the Ulterra is the better choice.
Yes, auto deploy is one of the Ulterra’s signature features. At the touch of a button, it will automatically lower itself into the water and get into position. The same automatic retraction happens when stowing the motor.
The Verdict
For most anglers, the ideal trolling motor comes down to the Ulterra and Terrova debate. They offer comparable performance and control in sleek, integrated packages.
The Ulterra pulls ahead for those wanting maximum convenience via its fully automated operation. Hands-free stowing and deploying makes operation nearly effortless.
For budget-focused buyers, the Terrova delivers a similar experience at a more affordable price point. You lose some convenience and must manually deploy the motor, but on-water performance is comparable.
Either of these trolling motors will serve you well on fishing trips for years to come. Evaluate your budget, features wish list, and convenience preferences. Consider where you fish and how you operate your boat.
With these key insights, you can determine whether the Minn Kota Ulterra or Terrova better fits your needs.
