Fortrex

sillybass · February 22, 2011, 10:27:49 AM

I'm thinking about getting an 80lb 24v Fortrex any have any comments about this trolling motor? How hard is it to put on? Thought about going with a 101lb but really don't want to add another battery .

coldfront · February 22, 2011, 11:24:32 AM

love mine. no more difficult to install than any other.

I don't know that I'd have 'another' TM after using this one for a season... for some reason, MK's work really well for me...and this one is just amazing...quiet, solid...powerful...less bulk on the deck...

MaineSkeeter · February 22, 2011, 01:33:41 PM

I could not agree more. After fishing last year with my 101 Fortrex I wont be using another brand. You cant ask for a better trolling motor when fishing the slop. You can't stop it!!!

sillybass · February 22, 2011, 02:37:26 PM

Thanks

Are they easy to install? Anything special needed ?

coldfront · February 22, 2011, 02:45:07 PM

Quote from: sillybass on February 22, 2011, 02:37:26 PM
Thanks Are they easy to install? Anything special needed ?

I just read the instructions as I went along...special need? had to get my daughter out...to stick her hand way up under the front deck/prow...as something about the hams on the end of my arms wouldn't allow a fit...

sillybass · February 22, 2011, 05:43:39 PM

Quote from: coldfront on February 22, 2011, 02:45:07 PM
I just read the instructions as I went along...special need? had to get my daughter out...to stick her hand way up under the front deck/prow...as something about the hams on the end of my arms wouldn't allow a fit...

Do you use T-nuts or directly bolt it down ?

coldfront · February 22, 2011, 05:51:57 PM

Quote from: sillybass on February 22, 2011, 05:43:39 PM
Do you use T-nuts or directly bolt it down ?

aluminum boat. directly bolted down...really solid base...so much so that, well, I wrecked a fortrex last year...the boat was okay...

mrshakeyhead · February 23, 2011, 06:48:55 AM

You didn't mention what you're replacing with the Fortrex. I replaced a MG with an 80lb FORTREX. There were four mounting bolts with the MG....there are six bolt holes on the MK. Four of those holes will match up with the MG holes so you'll have to drill two more holes. Other than that I recommend getting a buddy to help, although I did mine myself. I really like the MK and won't switch back for sure.

sillybass · February 23, 2011, 07:40:26 AM

Quote from: mrshakeyhead on February 23, 2011, 06:48:55 AM
You didn't mention what you're replacing with the Fortrex. I replaced a MG with an 80lb FORTREX. There were four mounting bolts with the MG....there are six bolt holes on the MK. Four of those holes will match up with the MG holes so you'll have to drill two more holes. Other than that I recommend getting a buddy to help, although I did mine myself. I really like the MK and won't switch back for sure.

Replacing a 71lb MG . Did you use T-nuts or direct bolt it ?

mrshakeyhead · February 23, 2011, 08:15:45 AM

Quote from: sillybass on February 23, 2011, 07:40:26 AM
Replacing a 71lb MG . Did you use T-nuts or direct bolt it ?

Used the mounting bolts/nuts that came with the motor. Most miserable part was getting my hand reached inside the front deck and getting the nuts started. Some of those bolts were in VERY tight fitting places

. Of course, your boat may differ. Mine is an older TR20. Location of the bolts made it nearly impossible to get a wrench on the nuts. Screws were too long for standard socket so bought a deep socket that fit the nuts.....and it was so tight in there that the socket wouldn't fit

. Took me a long time to get those nuts secure.

To get to the holes that match the MG's, you'll need to remove the side plate from the MK mount. The matching holes will be there. Instructions with the motor tell you this. It was a job for me, but well worth it in the end.

coldfront · February 23, 2011, 09:29:00 AM

Quote from: mrshakeyhead on February 23, 2011, 08:15:45 AM
Used the mounting bolts/nuts that came with the motor. Most miserable part was getting my hand reached inside the front deck and getting the nuts started. Some of those bolts were in VERY tight fitting places . Of course, your boat may differ. Mine is an older TR20. Location of the bolts made it nearly impossible to get a wrench on the bolts. Screws were too long for standard socket so bought a deep socket that fit the nuts.....and it was so tight in there that the socket wouldn't fit . Took me a long time to get those nuts secure.

same story here...they don't build those boats for ease of access up under the front deck at the 'prow'...no matter which boat it is.

I did have to go purchase some difference screws...shorter...as the screws that came with were too long to fit the tight space (16 foot aluminum semi-v)

I just used a box end wrench...and my blackand decker drill with phillips attachment to tighten this down...

sillybass · February 24, 2011, 10:10:59 PM

My new Fortrex should be here Monday

Now just gotta figure out which SI unit I want for the front.