Looking at a new trolling motor for my 18ft aluminum G3. Ultrex or Ghost with install and batteries is $4600. That is insane but it is what it is I guess. The only reason I am looking at the top is because I want the spot-lock. But at that price I may just have to pass, I fish ton of current and I really wanted the spot-lock.

My buddy has won a ton of money with a Fortrex and I can get one of those for half the price. Another buddy of mine had a MotorGuide that he beat all to hell and it ran like a champ. But the got the Ghost and said he would never go back.

What do you recommend? Also, do I need 24v 80 or a 36v 112?

On an 18' aluminum, I think a 24 will be plenty. You can find some good deals on some used Ultrex. There are cheaper spot locks made, just not the cable steer. Minn Kota Powerdrive and terrova.

What does the cable steer buy me?

I had an aluminum 18' triton and had an 80pound ultrex and its absolutely life changing. I now have a xpress X21 with a 36 volt ultrex. Ultrex talks with my birds so its the best choice for me. Like klay stated there's something about the cable operated that I like best, its not like a fortrex operation but there's still some resistance.... Once again not comparing it to the ghost just saying in an aluminum boat its an absolute must for me to have spot lock, days where I would normally stay home in the fall I clean a limit of crappies. I fish deep offshore stuff and spot lock changes the aluminum world.. 24 volt ultrex was about 2300$ plus 350ish in batteries.

I just looked and you can buy the same ultrex I had on my 18 foot boat for 2399. I think you can have trolling motor and batteries and if the wife knows about the 4600 price tag that would leave 900$ for tackle or something......

I got the same quote for the ultrex $2400. With an extra battery, labor, wiring, etc.. total was right at $3500 out the door. I do see where the aluminum boat will get pushed around in wind and current. I am probably just going to go with the ultrex at $2400 instead of the Ghost at $3200.

Anchor. Top end is around $50.

Amen Brother 👍

I got sick of dicking around with a 40lb MinnKota Edge and went full retard and bought the Garmin Force this spring. I did all the installation and everything and I can say I don't regret it one damn bit. When I've got 3 kids under the age of 11, the ability to spot lock, troll a pre-determined course, control it from a remote and from either one of the Garmin fish finder at the back or front of the boat, etc is invaluable. It makes taking them with me so much more enjoyable. Also, by making the jump to 24V, I have used the trolling motor hard for 3 days while up in NC without charging, and it still had plenty of life left (I'm running 2 x O'Reilly Auto AGM31DT with 2AWG tinned Marine wire).

If you're a veteran, make sure you check out Tackle Warehouse, I think they give a 10% discount.

It's an investment, but my 1860 SeaArk is like a corvette now when using the TM. I can put the boat where I want and focus on other things. Also, if I were to ever sell my boat, I'll be taking it with me, since it can also run 36V, which is even more efficient than 24V.

Spotlock is great. I have a power drive 12v 55lb on my 15 ft centerconsole. It won't hold right below the dam in the middle of the current but I doubt anything would. Does fine o. The edge and a little further down river where the current isn't as strong. My dad has a 24v ultrex on his 20ft sea ark. It's a big Ole boat and it holds it on the spot. That cable foot control is nice but to rich for me! Just put the bow in the current or wind before you anchor. That's probably understood but sometimes I still forget

I put a 24v ultrex on my 18’ aluminum & love it. That spot lock is a game changer. I did the install my self, not that difficult.

I've got an Ulterra and have owned an Ultrex. I LOVED the foot pedal on the Ultrex but the shaft was too short for the boat that it was on. It sucked air in waves. I took my Ulterra off my old boat and put the Ultrex on the boat that I sold. I LOVE the auto deploy/stow on the Ulterra. That makes the rare solo fishing trip worth the hassle just unloading the boat. It's also nice not to have to tie to the pier to go get the truck. The Ultrex that I let go with my old boat had the built in Mega ducer. It works twice as good as the Mega ducer that I mounted to my Ulterra. If they made and Ultrex with auto deploy/stow with the built in Mega ducer, I'd buy one tomorrow.

Here is the thing I have found during my research.

No one who has GPS/Spot Lock... says... "man, I hate this spot lock stuff, I never use it". I should have never sold my Fortrex. On the other hand, when someone spends a boat load of money on something, they generally always say it's the greatest thing ever!! Human nature :-)

You will like spot lock

I hear what you're saying, but in this case I'm really impressed with the Garmin Force. It makes taking my fishing with or without my 3 boys much more fun. Also, I've put in at lakes that don't allow gas engines and get some strange looks when I'm motoring around on the trolling motor throwing out a wake. Maybe I'll be proved wrong in the days to come, but it really is the best purchase I've made for my boat.

*I have absolutely zero affiliation with Garmin or anyone that could possible benefit from my opinions, just a happy customer. Nobody here responds to me anyways, so I don't know why I'm typing this*

The only problem with the ultrex is just about everyone that I know that has one has been in the shop in a year some of them multiple times. In the current the spot locks awesome other than that I don't have much use for it.

I have a 36v Ultrex and love the spot lock, but the feature I use the most is the heading lock or whatever it’s called. I’m sure all the major brands have it. I can point the motor in a specific direction and dial in the speed I want, and it’ll use gps to take me along that heading. I use it to creep slowly along a grass line or a roadbed or any other stretch of cover and I can just fish and not mess with the trolling motor. I’d wager you’ll be very happy with any of the models that offer these features. You’ll never go back to a regular trolling motor after getting one.

It’s not quite what y’all talking about but I’ve got a buddy with a 36-V saltwater rated Motor Guide for sale for $250.
Cable driven. He’s asking $250.

These have been a game changer for us in saltwater. No more anchoring in deep water. The first ones had a lot of issues but they are improving. Make sure you have it hooked up where the batteries will charge while you are running.