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Trolling Motor Showdown: Ghost vs Force Kraken vs Ultrex vs Ultrex Quest

Sep. 22 2025 Miscellaneous By TEXAS BOAT WORKS TEAM

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At Texas Boat Works, we know the right trolling motor isn’t just about horsepower—it’s about control, precision, and how well it fits your fishing style. Whether you're chasing bass on Lake Fork, navigating the brush at Sam Rayburn, or dialing in your setup for tournament season, your trolling motor needs to work as hard as you do.

Here’s a simple comparison of four top-tier motors we install and service regularly: Lowrance Ghost, Garmin Force Kraken, Minn Kota Ultrex, and Minn Kota Ultrex Quest. No hype—just facts, features, and what they mean for anglers.


🧠 Smart Features & Innovation













  • Force Kraken is ideal for those who fish both fresh and saltwater across the Gulf Coast and inland lakes.
  • Ghost is a favorite for Lowrance users who want stealth and sonar clarity.
  • Ultrex delivers the classic cable-steer feel with GPS anchoring—perfect for precision boat control in Texas brush piles.
  • Ultrex Quest adds brushless power and smart energy modes for all-day fishing on big water.


⚡ Thrust & Voltage Options























  • All four motors are tournament-capable and suitable for Texas-sized rigs.
  • Ultrex Quest leads in raw thrust and speed, especially on fully loaded bass boats.
  • Force Kraken uses ISO-rated thrust, which may differ slightly from traditional specs but performs reliably in real-world conditions.


🔋 Efficiency & Battery Life

  • Brushless motors (Ghost, Force Kraken, Ultrex Quest) offer longer runtime and quieter operation—ideal for long days on Toledo Bend or Amistad.
  • Ultrex Quest introduces Eco Mode for extended battery life and Drift Mode for controlled movement in wind or current.
  • Ultrex remains a reliable workhorse, though it may draw more power over time compared to brushless models.


🛠️ Durability & Build Quality













  • Force Kraken is built for saltwater and high-freeboard hulls—great for coastal anglers.
  • Ultrex Quest adds premium materials for rugged use in stumpy lakes and shallow flats.
  • Ghost and Ultrex are proven performers across Texas freshwater systems.


🧭 Ecosystem Integration













  • Match your motor to your electronics for seamless control and sonar clarity.
  • At Texas Boat Works, we install and calibrate all major systems—so you get peak performance from day one.


🏁 Final Takeaway: What’s Right for Your Boat?

We don’t play favorites—each of these motors has earned its place on Texas waters. Here’s how to narrow it down:

  • 🎯 Want stealth and sonar clarity? Go with the Ghost.
  • 🌊 Fish saltwater and big lakes? The Force Kraken is built for it.
  • 🎣 Prefer cable-steer feel with GPS anchoring? Stick with the Ultrex.
  • 🚀 Need max thrust, smart energy modes, and premium build? The Ultrex Quest is your rig’s upgrade.


🔧 Installed Right. Tuned Right. Texas Tough.

At Texas Boat Works, we don’t just sell motors—we install, rig, and fine-tune them for real-world performance. Whether you're upgrading your electronics, dialing in your lithium setup, or prepping for tournament season, our techs treat every boat like it’s their own.