We Installed a Minn Kota Ulterra on Our North River, Kept the Anchor — Then Went Fishing!

The Ultimate Trolling Motor Upgrade for the North River Seahawk 20

There’s something satisfying about improving your fishing setup — especially when the result makes life on the water that much smoother. In this Catch Happy project, we installed a Minn Kota Ulterra trolling motor on a North River Seahawk 20, complete with a dual lithium battery system, quick-connect power case, and custom anchor mount.

Step 1: Finding the Right Spot

We started by removing the existing anchor and marking the best mounting location for the Ulterra. The key is ensuring all mounting bolts go through the hull — not through welds — for strength and long-term reliability. The Ulterra’s boom extends slightly past the bow, but the tradeoff for performance is well worth it.

Step 2: The Anchor Dilemma

Most Ulterra installs skip the anchor entirely, but we wanted both. Having an anchor is not just old-school — it’s a safety feature. Our plan was to mount the anchor guide right next to the trolling motor, routing the chain and rope through the existing guide while keeping both systems functional. Tight, but doable.

Step 3: Wiring and Power Setup

For power, we used two 12V lithium-ion batteries configured as a 24V system — all housed in a Pelican-style hard case. The case includes a quick-connect plug, letting us remove the battery box entirely for easy charging at home. This beats running long wires and installing chargers onboard, especially if your storage doesn’t have power. Each terminal was soldered and sealed with hot glue for waterproofing.

Step 4: Testing the Ulterra

Once installed, we powered up and hit “Deploy.” Watching the Ulterra auto-deploy for the first time never gets old — and seeing it in action on a North River felt like magic. With full steering control and trim adjustment from the remote, it was ready to fish within seconds.

We then linked it to the Lowrance fish finder up front, planning to run both front and rear transducers for better target tracking.

Step 5: On the Water

With the setup complete, we headed out for a test run. Between the kicker motor and Ulterra, we could dial in trolling precise speeds down to 0.1 mph — perfect for stripers and trout. Within minutes, we hooked up on a healthy fish using a purple spoon. Proof that a good install pays off fast.

Final Thoughts

Installing a Minn Kota Ulterra isn’t just about convenience — it transforms how you fish. From hands-free anchoring to precision boat control, this setup makes any fishing day more efficient and enjoyable. The portable battery box is a huge bonus for anglers storing boats without shore power, and the dual system (anchor + Ulterra) adds peace of mind.

Ready to Upgrade your Boat?

If you are ready to upgrade your boat with bow mounted trolling motor, consider buying a trolling motor from us and we'll throw in a free consultation (via video call) for your install, battery config, and answer all your questions. If you just want a consultation, $75 for a 30 minute video walk through and Q/A from our team of pros. Fill out the contact form on CatchHappy.co and let us know what you need help with.

Until the next cast,

Alex @ Catch Happy

Sharing the pursuit, one fish at a time.

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