Home › Forums › Bass Cat Boats › Performance difference with Ultrex and Poles….
5 keepers.
Just a little rough Data for you guys wondering about the affects. I’m throwing this out there due to the recent discussions on all of the new trollers and everyone asking about weight of each and what that will change. The Data is not same day, same conditions but I have had my 2018 for over a year now and have experimented under all conditions and all loads with 5 different props so I feel that I have had an opportunity to maximize each setup. I am no professional driver either. I can handle them pretty well but I’m sure someone else could squeeze more out of them.
2014 Eyra, 250 pro XS, Hydraulic plate. 20 rods/reels, too much tackle. ONEpower pole. 36 volt motor guide tour edition. 1 31 series cranking battery and 3 27 series trolling batteries.
–26″ Fury 3= poor hole shot, 8l.6 top end optimal conditions. 78.5 top end tournament loaded. Fun to play with in the winter but not a realistic setup for the areas I fish.
–25″ Fury 3= decent hole shot, 80.5 top end optimal conditions. 77-78 top end tournament loaded. Good balance of all around performance.
–24″ Fury 3=Good hole shot, 77.5 top end optimal conditions. 76 top end tournament loaded. Ran this the most for hole shot In shallow marshes.
2018 Eyra, 250 pro XS Opti, Hydraulic plate, 20 rods/reels, too much tackle. Two power poles. 36 volt minn-kota Ultrex trolling motor. 3 31 series trollers with one used as cranker also. The 3 bigger batteries pretty much even out with the weight of the 4 smaller batteries on the 2014.
–26″ Fury 3= poor hole shot, 79.8 top end optimal conditions. 77 ish top end tournament loaded. Fun to play with in the winter but not a realistic setup for the areas I fish.
–25″ Fury 3= decent hole shot, 78 top end optimal conditions. 76-77top end tournament loaded. Good balance of all around performance.
–24″ Fury 3=Good hole shot, 77 top end optimal conditions. 76 top end tournament loaded. Run this one almost exclusively for hole shot.
I want to run 80 and this is the 1st boat I’ve had since 2001 that won’t do it, at least with all my crap in it. I don’t think it’s the boats fault at all. We just ask a lot of these rigs today with all of our unnecessary options we keep adding.
Now, I can’t speak for differences in power output on the 2014 vs. 2018 as I did hear they had “detuned” the 250’s a little but I don’t know if any of that is true. When I ordered my 2018 the folks at Bass Cat told me the Ultrex would cost me about 2 mph, they also said it was worth 5 mph because it was so good. They were pretty much spot on if you look at the data from the 2 rigs. it cost me 2-3 mph but there is also the added pole and bigger graphs which adds some weight up front as well. Also, look at the numbers from top down and you will notice as you decrease in Pitch the numbers get closer. I guess because the smaller pitch can carry the load a little better.
Chris Coupel
Paulina, La.
You are right that the Ultrex is worth the speed loss, especially if you fish up north for smallmouth or anywhere out deep. I would easily give up power poles before I gave up a foot controlled motor with spotlock. I’m hoping the Ghost is everything Lowrance says it is, but right now I’m skeptical due to their performance with HDS Live and Livesight. If the Ghost works and is less weight on the front end, I’ll switch.
After running the Ultrex for a year, if the Ghost doesn’t rock, rattle, and roll when deployed, I’ll switch!
We suggest everyone consider the Garmin at this time and the present trolling motors on the market.
BCB would you elaborate more on why with the Garmin unit? I was debating waiting on the new Motor Guide. But I’d consider others and you have better insight on it then most. Thanks in advance
I just put a Garmin Force on my Jag with the 350 Verardo. I replaced a 52 inch ultrex with it. I gained almost 2 mph with the same set up and loads with he lighter motor on the bow
I wish both Lowrance and Garmin would list the weights in their specs.
The Garmin should be around 70 lbs on the shorter shaft one from what I read. I was looking thru the install manuals on there site and they listed the motor at 66 lbs and the foot pedal at 4lbs in the specs. But you’re right it should be out right listed and easy to find.
Well, I strapped my 26″ Fury on yesterday for the first “cool” front of the year for us. It was 72 degrees in the morning but the humidity was down. I finally busted 80mph with this rig. It was a down wind run though If I’m being honest and only Half tank of gas. Still loaded to fish though. At least I know it will do it! LOL.
Chris Coupel
Paulina, La.
Most are probably not interested but I took a little trip yesterday in the Cold and thought I’d give an update on the above post. When I made this run it was about 45 degrees with water temps in the low 50’s. 26″ Fury with about 30 gallons of gas. All of my tackle. No water in the wells. I ran 81.8 mph steady for about 2 miles. That is by far my best speed and I know I won’t see it again but it was cool to see once anyway. Nice to know that she will do it. The hole shot was actually very acceptable. It’s amazing what the temperature and Barometric pressure will do for a Mercury! LOL.
Chris Coupel
Paulina, La.
And elevation…thanks for keeping us updated. Good info to know!
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