Minn Kota electric motor ???

[abens1078]

I am looking for a bow mount electric trolling motor and I have come across the models from MinnKota that have "Universal Sonar." I assume that means the transducer is mounted into or onto the lower unit of the motor. I wanted to know how much more equipment needs to be purchased in order to have a working depthfinder in the front of the boat. This is the first time I have set up with a bowmount. We usually use our kicker motor but I have recently become a student of catching walleyes close to shore at night and I need to employ a more silent approach.

If a few of you could help me out with this "Universal sonar" feature I would appreciate the advice.

Abens1078

[Hookmaster]

The universal sonar means there is a transducer already mounted inside the motor housing. I think there is a round shaped flat part on the bottom of the housing. The transducer wire sticks out someplace by the motor head and you use an adaptor for your specific fish locator. So if you have a locator, you need to buy the specific adaptor. If you don't have a locator you need to buy the locator and the adaptor. I would think you can find out which locators they work with from MinnKota's HSOforum or a Cabela's catalog. I think they work with most locators, but not all of them. Depending on how your boat is set up, you may need a power source in the front also.

[SteveWilson]

You'll need a depth finder (most brands like Garmin, Eagle, Lowrance, etc) and an adapter cable from MinnKota. I have a Lowrance X-125 up front but I don't like the sensitivity of the transducer in the MinnKota when hooked up to my Lowrance. I eventually installed the transducer that came with my Lowrance on the transom and ran it up front, works well. Now I have two transducers on the Transom (I run another X-125 at the console), most of the time there isn't any interference. I plan on getting an adapter cable from MinnKota (app $20) so I can hook up the transducer in the MinnKota to my Vexlar - we'll see how that works up front.

[abens1078]

Thanks for the info.

Do you guys think it's worth the extra money for the transducer in the housing or should I spend the extra money on more thrust? Steve mentioned he didn't care for the sensitivity so maybe it's not the greatest thing?

Again, thanks for the help.

[delmuts]

abens. i have never used the minkotas with the transducer built in. i prefer to use the one that comes with my locator. i just take the bracket and bend the ears up a little so i can run a hose clamp thru the ears and around the trolling motor. i tape the coax to the shaft.( allowing room for the unit to turn) i would rather have the extra power. you do have to keep an eye on the unit when you bump into something as the transducer can be tilted so you get a errant reading, but other than that i have had no problems. del

[abens1078]

Thanks delmuts,

I think I will drop the sonar feature and look for more power.

Now, let's hope Santa gets it on the sleigh.

Thanks again everyone.

[SuddenlySummer]

I had the US(universal sonar) built into the Minnkota 65 lb power drive connected to a Vex FL-18. Worked great. I could see my 1/4 oz jig drop all the way down in 30 plus feet of water. It was sensitive enough for that flasher.

[kato811]

i seen a neat little thing on e bay it was a peice of metal welded together to protect the transducer it went on with hose clamps just like the transducer