Minn Kota Fortrex is a freshwater bow mount motor designed for large fishing boats. It's heavy-duty industrial construction make it perfect for fishermen wanting a rock-solid, reliable motor.
The motor has available thrust options of 80 and 101 lbs, with the 101 lbs model able to provide adequate power in calm waters for boats in the 21 to 25 foot range weighing up to 5,000 lbs. If the motor will be used in swift currents or heavy wind, a stronger motor will be required to provide adequate power. Fortrex 80 is a 24 volt motor, draws 56 amps at top speed and required two batteries for operation. Foretrex 101 is a 36 volt motor, draws 46 amps at top speed and requires three marine batteries for operation.
Shaft lengths of 45, 52 and 62 inches are available across the Minn Kota Fortrex line. Bow mount motors should have between 25 and 30 inches of the shaft submerged, which makes Fortrex models suitable for boats with bows approximately 15 to 37 inches from the water.
The motor is built around a beefy, anodized aluminum mono-arm. The arm operates with no metal-to-metal contact and a single hinge point to achieve less wear and longer life. The coil-based Bowguard 360 allows the shaft to break-away on impact and then return to it's original position, offering protection to both both boat and motor. Fortrex's Bowguard and motor can also be easily detached from the mount. Heavy-duty construction isn't light, which is why lift-assist is such a welcome feature. The nitrogen gas charged spring assembly cuts the effective stow and deploy weight in half. The 5' long cable foot pedal provides ultra-responsive steering and is built from a high-impact and durable composite. Both Fortrex motors come with a Weedless Wedge prop, making it possible to venture into thick vegetation in search of fish.
Optional US2 sonar reduces cable clutter, decreases the likelihood of transducer damage and uses dual beam technology to provide an improved view below the surface. As the transducer is counter-sunk into the motor's head, it is significantly less likely to be snapped off by a fixed object under the water compared to traditional transducers. You can also easily see which way the motor is pointed with Fortrex's head mounted illuminated directional indicator, backlit for convenience when used during early morning or late evening.
Minn Kota Fortrex's flexible composite shaft is guaranteed never to break and carries a lifetime warranty. The rest of the motor is backed by a two year warranty, and Minn Kota's nationwide network of authorized service centers.
Minn Kota Maxxum is an affordable alternative to Fortrex. While it doesn't have the same bombproof construction, it features a similar Bowguard 360 and thrust options at a more affordable price. The MotorGuide Tour trolling motor is an another alternative to Fortrex. The Tour series is built almost entirely from metal and most models feature a three year warranty. However, the motor doesn't have the composite shaft and features such as Lift-Assist and Bowguard found on Fortrex.
For more information on Minn Kota Fortrex and other trolling motors, as well as educational guides and videos, please visit us online at TrollingMotors.net.
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