Affects of additional weight by adding a spot lock TM to '95 202?

[hoos202]

I have a '95 202 with a 2002 2.5L ProMax 225x equipped with 24v 52" Minn Kota Maxxum TM. This is a pretty nice setup. I can easily run in low 70s. I want to upgrade to a spot lock TM. I am concerned about how the additional weight of a spot lock TM on the bow will affect the top end. I really don't want to go back to a 52" TM. The head sticks out too far from the side of the boat. The head sticking out creates an issue when in a narrow covered dock. The head wants to hook the dock posts when backing out. I really don't fish that much big water where I have to be concerned about the TM staying in the water. I like the 50" Garmin Force but it is the heaviest of the 3 spot locks TMs. It is a nice compromise in length. According to the videos done by Russel Marine the Garmin Force weighs 75#, the Ultrex is 72#, and the Ghost is the lightest at 65#. If making a decision between the Garmin Force or Lowrance Ghost, would 10# difference make much of a difference in top end performance? Any thoughts will be appreciated.

[jign4pigs]

I have a boat with a very similar setup and I have the 52" ultrex. Unfortunately I didn't run my boat enough with the old trolling motor before changing to comment on its affect on the top end speed. I know it still flies and thats on lakes around here where I barely get to open it up for long stretches.

I think the 50" Force may have the same shaft length as the 52" models by other brands, just is measured from a slightly different spot, but I could be wrong. I know I read a lot about that when they first came out, was hard to find a straight answer, cause I was thinking the same thing.

Hopefully someone will give you a more helpful answer.

[hoos202]

Thank you for the comments jign4pigs. What are the odds of 2 Hoosiers having a 202 with 225 ProMax? Just an FYI; I went the Bass Pro in Clarksville and took measurements on all 3 Demo TMs. I measured from what would be the top of the bow gunwale to the center of the motor. The 50" Garmin Force shaft measured 41", the 47" Ghost measured 38.5", and the 45" Ultrex measured 38.5 ". I would say your 52" Ultrex has about 45.5" of shaft from the gunwale to the center of the motor. These measurements would be with the shaft all the way down.

[Littleman2009]

I have a 36v 52" Shaft Ultrex on my 1996 Champion 221 with a 1996 Mercury 225EFI.When I replaced the old Motor Guide with the Ultrex it didn't affect the handling or speed any.I even had to add an additional battery for the 36v Ultrex.

[kris_tx]

I have a 52 ghost on a 202. I don’t think it slowed me down any going from a motor guide. It does hang over the side though.

[Almag6]

I fixing to cut my 52" ultrex down 9 or 10". Can't stand how for off the box it hangs, nor how high it stick when fishing shallow. My 202 doesn't sit as bow high as most, it seems.

Sorry, I don't have a speed/handling comparison for you. I didn't have alot of run time with the old troller on it. I will tell you that Ultrex is HEAVY though.

[kris_tx]

If you have a 3 liter opti or a newer 4 stroke on a 202 it will sit more bow high.

[ClarkBird]

Get a Terrova - ½ or less weight than an Ultrex

[kris_tx]

I can say that if you use the factory holes to mount the trolling motor that it might even hang over side some for a 47 ghost.

[hoos202]

Thank you for all the comments! Very helpful!

[Dads190]

Went from a motor guide X3 to a 47" ghost on my 95 190, definitely heavier than the x3 was, haven't really paid any attention if I lost speed or not,used same holes (but had to drill a couple more) and ghost doesn't hang over the side that much20210307_155849.jpg

[hoos202]

Went from a motor guide X3 to a 47" ghost on my 95 190, definitely heavier than the x3 was, haven't really paid any attention if I lost speed or not,used same holes (but had to drill a couple more) and ghost doesn't hang over the side that much20210307_155849.jpg

It looks like you put in the larger Comfort Troll foot pedal tray and made a modification for the cup and tool holder with a custom paint job. Looks nice! I had a '94 190 with the 200 XRI prior to the 202. That boat turns on a dime. Are you able to keep the 47" Ghost in the water in rough seas?

[Dads190]

It looks like you put in the larger Comfort Troll foot pedal tray and made a modification for the cup and tool holder with a custom paint job. Looks nice! I had a '94 190 with the 200 XRI prior to the 202. That boat turns on a dime. Are you able to keep the 47" Ghost in the water in rough seas?

Don't know what brand the tray is to be honest with you, was in the boat when me and my dad bought it, I just painted it teal to match boat and be different I have a different set up up there now, went from having my 12ti2 on a ram mount to an over the pedal mount, will post a pic, thanks for the compliment, I love my 190, I mostly fish alone so it's perfect size for me. Ya I haven't had it come out of the water yet, although I really haven't been in too rough a stuff yet20210627_144823~2.jpg20210627_144709.jpg