Minn Kota Ultrex Combo 80 45″ MDI and Micro Remote

The Minn Kota Ultrex Combo 80 45″ MDI and Micro Remote is a premium freshwater bow-mount trolling motor built for anglers who want responsive cable steering, integrated Humminbird imaging and GPS-assisted boat control. It combines 80 lb of thrust, 24V operation, a 45-inch shaft, Built-In MEGA Down Imaging (MDI), Power Steering, Spot-Lock and a compact wireless Micro Remote.

Ultrex is especially suited to anglers who prefer the immediate response of a heel-toe cable foot pedal but also want features such as GPS position holding and integrated sonar.

For manufacturer specifications and current model information, see the official Minn Kota Ultrex product page.

Minn Kota Ultrex 80 45″ MDI Specifications

Brand: Minn Kota
Series: Ultrex
Product Type: Freshwater bow-mount trolling motor
Maximum Thrust: 80 lb
Shaft Length: 45 inches
Voltage: 24V
Maximum Amp Draw: 56A
Speed Control: Variable
Digital Maximizer: Yes
Built-In Sonar: MEGA Down Imaging
2D Sonar: Dual Spectrum CHIRP through compatible MEGA DI system
Steering: Cable steer with Power Steering
Foot Pedal: Heel-Toe / Cable
Wireless Control: Micro Remote
Spot-Lock: Yes
AutoPilot: Yes
One-Boat Network: Compatible
Lift-Assist: Yes
Battery Meter: Yes
Mount: Mono-Arm
Propeller: Weedless Wedge 2
Auto Stow/Deploy: No
Power Trim: No
Water Type: Freshwater

For compatible electronics and accessories, explore trolling motors and marine electronics at Precision Marine Outdoors.

80 LB Thrust with 24V Power

The Minn Kota Ultrex Combo 80 45″ MDI and Micro Remote delivers up to 80 pounds of thrust using a manufacturer-specified 24V trolling-motor electrical system.

This provides substantial trolling power while avoiding the three-battery 36V configuration normally associated with the 112 lb Ultrex.

Variable-speed operation lets anglers precisely control propulsion. Minn Kota’s Digital Maximizer manages power delivery according to the selected speed, helping conserve battery capacity when maximum output isn’t required.

For general background about this type of marine propulsion, see the Wikipedia overview of trolling motors.

Built-In MEGA Down Imaging

The MDI designation stands for MEGA Down Imaging.

Rather than mounting a separate imaging transducer to the trolling motor and routing an exposed cable along its shaft, the transducer is integrated into the motor’s lower unit. This produces a cleaner installation while helping protect sonar wiring.

Connected to compatible Humminbird fish finders, MEGA Down Imaging provides detailed imaging below the boat, helping anglers examine fish, vegetation, structure and bottom features.

The integrated MEGA Imaging system can also provide Dual Spectrum CHIRP 2D sonar through compatible Humminbird equipment.

Because compatibility differs among HELIX, SOLIX, APEX, XPLORE and other generations, verify the exact fish finder before purchasing. Minn Kota provides an official Built-In MEGA Imaging compatibility guide.

Power Steering with Cable-Steer Response

One of Ultrex’s defining advantages is its combination of traditional cable-steer response and Power Steering.

The heel-toe foot pedal provides direct directional control, while electronic assistance reduces the effort needed to steer the motor throughout a day on the water.

Ultrex also incorporates Steering Lock. When the angler removes their foot from the pedal, the trolling motor stays pointed in the selected direction rather than automatically recoiling.

This makes the Minn Kota Ultrex Combo 80 45″ MDI and Micro Remote a strong option for bass anglers who prefer hands-free foot-pedal operation.

Advanced GPS and Spot-Lock

Ultrex combines its cable-steer design with Minn Kota’s GPS trolling technology.

Spot-Lock uses GPS positioning to help keep the boat near a selected fishing location without requiring continuous manual steering.

With the appropriate heading sensor, Spot-Lock with Jog allows anglers to move the selected position in small increments.

Supported GPS functions can also include AutoPilot and Drift Mode, providing additional options for controlling boat movement while fishing.

One-Boat Network Integration

The motor is designed to integrate with compatible Humminbird equipment through the One-Boat Network.

This allows supported Minn Kota and Humminbird products to communicate, providing access to compatible navigation, sonar and trolling-motor functions from an integrated electronics setup.

This combination of MEGA Down Imaging, GPS navigation and Humminbird connectivity is one of the major reasons to choose the MDI configuration over an Ultrex without integrated imaging.

Wireless Micro Remote

The included Micro Remote provides compact wireless access to supported trolling-motor controls.

Anglers can continue using the heel-toe foot pedal for precise steering while keeping the Micro Remote available when moving away from the bow.

Its compact size also makes it more convenient to carry than a larger full-featured remote when only core trolling-motor controls are required.

45-Inch Composite Shaft

The 45-inch shaft is a popular option for compatible bass boats and other freshwater fishing boats with an appropriate bow-to-waterline measurement.

Correct shaft length is important because the trolling motor must remain sufficiently submerged during normal operation while avoiding unnecessary excess shaft above the deck.

Minn Kota’s composite trolling-motor shaft is designed for strength and flexibility and is backed by the manufacturer’s lifetime shaft guarantee.

MEGA DI vs. DSC

Choosing between MDI and DSC depends primarily on the sonar capabilities you want.

DSC — Dual Spectrum CHIRP provides traditional high-quality 2D CHIRP sonar.

MDI — MEGA Down Imaging adds detailed imaging beneath the boat while also supporting applicable Dual Spectrum CHIRP functionality through compatible Humminbird equipment.

For anglers who already own or plan to purchase a compatible Humminbird fish finder, the Minn Kota Ultrex Combo 80 45″ MDI and Micro Remote provides the more advanced integrated imaging option.

For additional compatible equipment, shop marine electronics and trolling motor accessories at Precision Marine Outdoors.

How to Use the Minn Kota Ultrex 80 45″ MDI

Mount the motor securely at the bow according to Minn Kota’s instructions for the exact model. The motor should use the manufacturer-specified 24V electrical configuration, appropriate marine wiring and required circuit protection.

Use Lift-Assist when manually deploying and stowing the motor. Once deployed, use the heel-toe foot pedal for steering and variable-speed control.

The Micro Remote provides supported wireless functions, while Spot-Lock can be activated when GPS-assisted position holding is desired.

Connect Built-In MEGA Down Imaging to a compatible Humminbird fish finder using the appropriate manufacturer-specified sonar connection or adapter.

For complete installation and operating procedures, consult the official Minn Kota Ultrex manuals and installation guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much thrust does the Ultrex 80 provide?

The Ultrex 80 delivers 80 lb of maximum thrust.

Is the Ultrex 80 a 24V motor?

Yes. The 80 lb Ultrex configuration operates from a 24V trolling-motor electrical system.

What does MDI mean?

MDI stands for MEGA Down Imaging, an integrated Humminbird imaging-sonar system designed to provide detailed views beneath the boat.

Does MEGA Down Imaging include 2D sonar?

The Built-In MEGA Imaging system provides applicable Dual Spectrum CHIRP 2D sonar when connected to compatible Humminbird equipment.

Does it have Spot-Lock?

Yes. Ultrex includes GPS-based Spot-Lock for assisted boat positioning.

Does it include a Micro Remote?

Yes. This combo configuration includes a wireless Micro Remote for supported trolling-motor functions.

Does it have Power Steering?

Yes. Ultrex combines a cable-steer foot pedal with Power Steering.

Does it have Auto Stow/Deploy?

No. Ultrex uses Lift-Assist for manual deployment and stowing. Auto Stow/Deploy is associated with Minn Kota Ulterra models.

Is this trolling motor for saltwater?

No. Ultrex is designed for freshwater use. Minn Kota’s Riptide families are intended for saltwater applications.