Comparison of Bow-Mount Motors: Lowrance Ghost vs. Minn Kota Ultrex Quest

Modern bow-mount trolling motors are becoming increasingly advanced, and choosing the right model depends not only on basic specifications but also on additional features. In this article, we will take a detailed look at two flagship solutions — the Lowrance Ghost and the Minn Kota Ultrex Quest.

Main Specifications and Thrust

Both motors are equipped with brushless engines that can operate on either 24 V or 36 V.

• Lowrance Ghost:
  • 97 lbs of thrust at 24 V
  • 120 lbs of thrust at 36 V
• Minn Kota Ultrex Quest:
  • 90 lbs of thrust at 24 V
  • 115 lbs of thrust at 36 V

Both models are recommended exclusively for freshwater use.

Warranty and Shaft Length

Both manufacturers provide the same warranty terms:

• 3 years on the motor
• Limited lifetime warranty on the shaft

Available shaft lengths:

• Ghost — 47, 52, and 60 inches
• Ultrex Quest — 45, 52, and 60 inches

Design and Construction Features

• Ultrex Quest uses a composite shaft connected to the control unit. Steering is located in the front-mounted motor housing.
• Ghost also features a composite shaft but adds an aluminum tube connected to the bow mount. This allows the use of a 360° breakaway joint that absorbs impacts and increases durability. All controls are placed inside the control unit. When turning, the motor head does not rotate — a top arrow indicates direction instead.

GPS and Navigation Capabilities

• Lowrance Ghost:
  • Anchor Lock, Heading Lock, Course Lock
  • NMEA 2000 network compatibility with Lowrance units
• Minn Kota Ultrex Quest:
  • Spot-Lock, autopilot, cruise control
  • Additional modes: Circle Mode, Drift Mode, Dodge Mode
  • Ethernet connection to Humminbird fishfinders
  • Compatibility with the One Boat Network app for motor and sonar control via smartphone (iOS/Android)

Control System and Pedals

• Ghost:
  • Wired pedal with switchable button position
  • Controls for speed, prop, anchor, and custom keys
  • Cable clips on the housing for neat wire management
• Ultrex Quest:
  • Wired pedal with adjustable cables
  • Electric steering designed to feel like a cable-steer system
  • Extra buttons for Spot-Lock and One Boat Network integration

Remote Controls

• Ghost:
  • Remote included only with the 60-inch model
  • For 47 and 52 inches, sold separately
  • No display, limited functions: speed, steering, anchor
• Ultrex Quest:
  • Mini remote included with all models
  • Optional full-size remote with LCD screen and expanded GPS functions (+$300)

Built-In Sonar

• Lowrance Ghost:
  • Standard HDI transducer (CHIRP + Down Imaging)
  • Upgrade option to Active Imaging 3-in-1 (CHIRP + Down + SideScan) for about $300
• Ultrex Quest:
  • Dual Spectrum CHIRP — compatible with most fishfinders
  • Mega Down Imaging + Side Imaging — designed for Humminbird units

Price

• Lowrance Ghost — from $3,500 to $3,750 (depending on shaft length)
• Minn Kota Ultrex Quest — from $3,700 to $4,200 (depending on transducer and shaft length)

Final Comparison

Both motors are excellent choices, and it’s hard to go wrong. The decision largely depends on the electronics you are already using:

• If you use Lowrance units, the logical choice is the Ghost.
• If you use Humminbird fishfinders, you should consider the Ultrex Quest.

Advantages of Ultrex Quest:

• Expanded GPS modes
• Convenient One Boat Network app
• Option for a full-featured remote with display

Advantages of Ghost:

• Cleaner, more streamlined design with cable management
• Motor head does not rotate when steering — only the direction indicator moves