Fortrex or Maxxum

[slothman]

I am preparing to purchase a new trolling motor for my bass boat. I am going to get an 80# thrust 24v minn kota, but can't decide on the fortrex or the maxxum. I have tried the fortrex and it is nice, but I am not fully convinced that the upgraded mount is worth the extra money. Is anybody using a maxxum that can weigh in? 

The fortrex has a 45" shaft which is appealing, but the mount is bigger. I don't know if the taller mount negates the extra shaft length. 

What are you guys' opinions of the two motors? If I can get by with the maxxum, I am kinda leaning that way.

[moguy1973]

I have a 24v 65lb thrust Maxxum and couldn't be happier.  Of course I came from a 12v 46lb Motorguide.  There is only one thing that bothers me with it, and it might be the way it's mounted to the boat, but when I pull it up I have to manually turn the shaft to get the prop to lay sideways so it can stow.  But other than that, the power comes on nice and smoothly so I'm not throwing myself off the boat, and at max power it pulls my 17.5" Tracker along at about 3-4mph.  I'm sure the Fortrex's mount is lighter than the Maxxum as mine is pretty heavy to lift up out of the water, but until I'm old enough to not be able to do that anymore it's no big deal to me, other than having to reach down and spin the shaft.

[Ketchup]

I've replaced TM on the last 4 boat purchases "all within last 4 years" with the Maxxum.  Theres a reason i always go back to that motor.  I have had zero issues with anything about it. Great motors that will keep you on the water. 

I would suggest the variable speed instead of the 5 speed. The difference from 4 to 5 is overkill. Variable is perfect. 

[Ketchup]

If you want a freebie, theres one about 400 yards west of the Ruark ramp on Stockton in 38' of water. Im sure its been well preserved the last 2 years down there. 

[moguy1973]

4 hours ago, Ketchup said:

I've replaced TM on the last 4 boat purchases "all within last 4 years" with the Maxxum.  Theres a reason i always go back to that motor.  I have had zero issues with anything about it. Great motors that will keep you on the water. 

I would suggest the variable speed instead of the 5 speed. The difference from 4 to 5 is overkill. Variable is perfect. 

Mine is one of the variable ones.  Definitely helps being able to dial in the speed.

[fishinwrench]

4 hours ago, moguy1973 said:

I have a 24v 65lb thrust Maxxum and couldn't be happier.  Of course I came from a 12v 46lb Motorguide.  There is only one thing that bothers me with it, and it might be the way it's mounted to the boat, but when I pull it up I have to manually turn the shaft to get the prop to lay sideways so it can stow.  But other than that, the power comes on nice and smoothly so I'm not throwing myself off the boat, and at max power it pulls my 17.5" Tracker along at about 3-4mph.  I'm sure the Fortrex's mount is lighter than the Maxxum as mine is pretty heavy to lift up out of the water, but until I'm old enough to not be able to do that anymore it's no big deal to me, other than having to reach down and spin the shaft.

If you can't rotate the head and shaft (by loosening the depth adjustment) to rectify that then your cable sync is off.

 

[Seth]

I have a Maxxum and like it. The lift assist on the Fortrex is nice, but not a big deal to me either way. The Maxxum mount feels sturdier to me as well. I want an Ultrex!

[WHARFRAT]

I've had both, I have the fortrex now, and would probably buy it again.  Both are pretty good motors, but to me the Fortrex seems sturdier and and a bit more stable.  I went from a 65# maxxum to a 80# Fortrex.  I do like the lift assist feature, but probably could do without.  The best thing about the Maxxum is it is half the price of the Fortrex.  So keep that in mind.

Only issue I had with Maxxum was the steering cable (it was 6 or 7 yrs).  The only issue with the Fortrex was the pull rope.  (in 3rd yr)

[Old plug]

I have owned my hand controlled bow mount 24volt Mazxxum  since they first came out and  it gets worked l at least a 4 evening a week thru most of the season. Right now it is running almost constantly hunting the Hybrid scuools for 2-3 hours in the evening when ever I can. They Cannot find a replacement prop that is because of sone oddball thing  that happened in the manufactiring end. Inlearned this when   the shear pin hole were damaged about 3-4 years ago. I made  some modifications using rubber washers a nails ground a certain way and a couple other things. The motor is still chugging along with plenty of power.