Minn Kota Fortrex

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Troy Roberts on March 9, 2014 at 2:29pm

I've only used one a hand full of times out of friend team mates boat n I didn't notice creeking or noise. To mean it seamed really responsive especially when you had it about 70%. I mentioned how it would be really nice to have during windy conditions and the boater I was with said its amazing in windy conditions. He said first time he was out in windy conditions he had to be careful cause if you have it on hi it will grab well and almost throw you out of the boat. The new 112 I guess is a total beast.

Permalink Reply by Daniel Caffrey on March 9, 2014 at 4:16pm

Henry has one of those. That is his number 1 complaint. He went into detail with me about how he liked his MG more. Then again there are things you can do to quiet your motors operation down as a boat owner. I have a Maxxum. I bolted it to the transom with stainless steel nuts n bolts. Not those cheesy expanding rubber things. I also put pieces of 7/8 rubber hose with a hole drilled in it to act as a damper for vibration/impact. I cut the hose into squares with a razor knife, it was EZ. I put them under the 1 1/4" fender washers, under the lock washers, under the nut. Then went thru the long metal shaft that locks the motor into place( The long shaft that the rope ties to )and installed small pieces of rubber tubing over the metal guides.  That alone made a world of difference in my motor. No more rattle when you turn to the side on high.  I figured out the metal shaft vibrating against the guides, which are just 2 pieces of metal, was causing the vibration. I suggested Henry do the same. I don't think he got around to it yet though. I also came up with a magic trick if you can't reach your arm or hand into your transom. Drill a small hole in a paint mixer stick that your nut will fit into snugly. Then using 1 wrap of electrical tape, arrange your rubber washer, fender washer, lock washer and nut above it taped into place. The only tricky part is aligning it with the hole you are putting the SS bolt through. But when you get It lined up, just use a Large phillips head (no 3) to tighten it down from the top. Remember to periodically check your bolts. It works like a charm and is super EZ. And if your transom isnt completely flat you can use the rubber hose to shim the areas where your motor doesn't make contact with the boat.

 

Permalink Reply by rzone on March 9, 2014 at 5:45pm

If older Maxxum not bad, I would not upgrade. I had Maxxum and upgraded to Foretrex on my old boat, it creaked. My 2012 boat came with Foretrex, it made some nasty noises (creaks when turning on), all noise are in the spring mount, took it apart and put some silicon grease on the plastic, that helps.

Permalink Reply by Chris Blandi on March 9, 2014 at 6:57pm

I upgraded a good working MK Maxxum 74 with a Fortrex 80# a year or so after they came out.  No complaints.  Installed it myself.  The lift assist was what I wanted the most !

Permalink Reply by Daniel Caffrey on March 9, 2014 at 7:11pm

lift assit is for Pu**ys!

 JK

just givin ya S CB

Permalink Reply by Daniel Caffrey on March 10, 2014 at 12:01am

forgot to mention to reach up  into the bow with the paint stick. I think I said transom earlier but that would be the wrong side of the boat. hahahah., It helps because it will reach up to where your hand or arm wont fit.

 

Permalink Reply by Daniel Caffrey on March 10, 2014 at 12:03am

Daniel Caffrey said:

Henry has one of those. That is his number 1 complaint. He went into detail with me about how he liked his MG more. Then again there are things you can do to quiet your motors operation down as a boat owner. I have a Maxxum. I bolted it to the bow with stainless steel nuts n bolts. Not those cheesy expanding rubber things. I also put pieces of 7/8 rubber hose with a hole drilled in it to act as a damper for vibration/impact. I cut the hose into squares with a razor knife, it was EZ. I put them under the 1 1/4" fender washers, under the lock washers, under the nut. Then went thru the long metal shaft that locks the motor into place( The long shaft that the rope ties to )and installed small pieces of rubber tubing over the metal guides.  That alone made a world of difference in my motor. No more rattle when you turn to the side on high.  I figured out the metal shaft vibrating against the guides, which are just 2 pieces of metal, was causing the vibration. I suggested Henry do the same. I don't think he got around to it yet though. I also came up with a magic trick if you can't reach your arm or hand into your bow. Drill a small hole in a paint mixer stick that your nut will fit into snugly. Then using 1 wrap of electrical tape, arrange your rubber washer, fender washer, lock washer and nut above it taped into place. The only tricky part is aligning it with the hole you are putting the SS bolt through. But when you get It lined up, just use a Large phillips head (no 3) to tighten it down from the top. Remember to periodically check your bolts. It works like a charm and is super EZ. And if your bow isnt completely flat you can use the rubber hose to shim the areas where your motor doesn't make contact with the boat.  

Same post as last time just changed the word transom to bow. Brain malfunction sorry

 

Permalink Reply by Jake Boomer on March 10, 2014 at 8:14am

Keep the Maxxum.  Fortrex is worse in many respects.  They'll both squeak and creak with extensive use, but the Maxxum will hold up longer without requiring significant repair.

We've gotten into the habit of taking our Fortrex to the repair guy yearly.  Even if there's nothing apparently wrong, we do it anyways.  I've had the hinges replaced almost every time.

My 2 cents.

- j.boomer

Permalink Reply by Daniel Caffrey on March 10, 2014 at 4:52pm

I think this is a good topic. I would like to hear from someone who has a Motor Guide. I too will be on the market for a new more powerful TM soon and I would like to hear some of the pros n cons of a MG.

Permalink Reply by eric mccarthy on March 12, 2014 at 9:05am

Ran a 80 fortrex last season and loved it no noticeable squeaks or issues. Just got a new boat it has a 112 if it had a motor guide it would have been swapped out. Lift assist is awesome

Permalink Reply by David Parnicky on March 12, 2014 at 9:47am

Does noise above the water even matter unless it bothers the particular angler? The only thing I see bothering fish are the vibrations a particular trolling motor makes in the water.

Permalink Reply by troy kelly on March 14, 2014 at 7:25pm

thanks for the feedback guys