Minn Kota: Maxxum Or Fortrex?

[zildjian]

Hey guys,

Been waiting to upgrade my motor guide trolling motor for the last 3 years. I have a 18' 7" Bass Tracker, Pro Team 190 TX model. I narrowed my search down to Minn Kota products. It's between the Maxxum and Fortrex. Undecided on the 80lb 24V or 112lb 36V. All I've been reading about these two motors is from older threads from 2009 - 2012. I wanted to hear recent feedback, also what you guys have to say about the two products that actually run them.

Any Pros, Cons and Recommendations i would appreciate very much.

-zildjian

[Bluebasser86]

I have an 80lb Maxxum on my 189VLO and can't imagine needing any extra power to move it. Even in our almost constant windy conditions or against current, it's more than enough. 

[Wayne P.]

There is no such thing as too much thrust. Get the most powerful one you can afford and have battery room for.

[cdemarse]

If you can afford it always get the Fortrex.

[Sprocket]

I've got an 80# Fortrex on my Triton TR186.  I fish mainly Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas and the wind always blows in this part of the country.  I've never had an issue where the 80# wasn't enough to last all day in the wind.  Probably can't go wrong with either, but I do like my Fortrex.

 

SE Kansas grass grower

[slonezp]

You will like the variable speed on the Fortrex better than the 5 speed on the Maxxum

[slonezp]

And wait until after the first of the year to purchase. MK will have their new rebates available. They are normally $1 for every pound of thrust.

[Bluebasser86]

You will like the variable speed on the Fortrex better than the 5 speed on the Maxxum

Did they stop making variable speed on the Maxxum? All but one of the Maxxums I've owned were variable speed, including the one I have now. I know after owning a 5 speed, I'll never make that mistake again.

[slonezp]

Did they stop making variable speed on the Maxxum? All but one of the Maxxums I've owned were variable speed, including the one I have now. I know after owning a 5 speed, I'll never make that mistake again.

http://www.minnkotamotors.com/Trolling-Motors/Freshwater-Bow-Mount/Maxxum/

[ww2farmer]

Did they stop making variable speed on the Maxxum? All but one of the Maxxums I've owned were variable speed, including the one I have now. I know after owning a 5 speed, I'll never make that mistake again.

No, but they do offer it also in the 5 speed. I have the variable speed 70lb Maxxum on my Bass Tracker PT170, and would never go back to the 5 speed. It's more TM than that boat needs, but that's a good thing. 

[Comfortably Numb]

70# Maxxum variable speed on a 15' aluminum bass style boat. Goes 3.2 mph. Three years old and zero issues.

[Siebert Outdoors]

I have a 80 fortrex. It's a great motor. No complaints. . Boat is a 20' 6"

[zildjian]

thank all of you guys for the comments! I'm going to go with the Fortrex. Thinking about pulling the trigger on the 112lb 36volt. Now for my next question, I currently have two batteries in my boat, along with hydrollic pump for power pole and obviously my gas tank. I'm limited on space and I wouldn't be able to add a third battery. My current trolling motor setup is what came with my Bass Tracker Package, it's a Motor Guide: Pro Series 54lb thrust 12volts. it's quite but so underpowered. I most likely don't need the 112lb but I don't mind spending the extra cash for more on thrust. My only concern is, switching from a 12volt to a 36volt.

What exactly is need to make the switch, I'm assuming two new batteries, and correct wire gauge. Do I need three batteries or am I safe with two? I've never done this switch before and I'd like to talk to you guys that actually did the switch and know what's needed. I'm going to have my Marine Mechanic do the swap for me, as I'd rather pay and have it done right, then me mess with pulling new wires etc..

Thank you guys so much in advance!

[Wayne P.]

thank all of you guys for the comments! I'm going to go with the Fortrex. Thinking about pulling the trigger on the 112lb 36volt. Now for my next question, I currently have two batteries in my boat, along with hydrollic pump for power pole and obviously my gas tank. I'm limited on space and I wouldn't be able to add a third battery. My current trolling motor setup is what came with my Bass Tracker Package, it's a Motor Guide: Pro Series 54lb thrust 12volts. it's quite but so underpowered. I most likely don't need the 112lb but I don't mind spending the extra cash for more on thrust. My only concern is, switching from a 12volt to a 36volt.

What exactly is need to make the switch, I'm assuming two new batteries, and correct wire gauge. Do I need three batteries or am I safe with two? I've never done this switch before and I'd like to talk to you guys that actually did the switch and know what's needed. I'm going to have my Marine Mechanic do the swap for me, as I'd rather pay and have it done right, then me mess with pulling new wires etc..

Thank you guys so much in advance!

3 X 12V = 36V

 

2 X 12V = 24V

 

It is that simple.

[zildjian]

thank you Wayne

[junyer357]

Get 3 new batteries if you are going 36v. Having mismatched batteries of diffrent ages will shorten the life of all 3.

[zildjian]

Get 3 new batteries if you are going 36v. Having mismatched batteries of diffrent ages will shorten the life of all 3.

Will do! As for wire gauge, is 4 gauge the correct size for 36volts? I don't want to under power the motors potential by running to thin of gauge wire. I've been reading 6-4 gauge is what must guys use for 36volts.

Also, do you guys recommend any specific battery company? I've been using the same ones for years, would love to hear thoughts on your batteries.

[Wayne P.]

6 gauge is plenty and is the standard size for quality bass boats.

Tracker usually has 8 gauge since they go cheap on the standard trolling motor. I had 6 gauge installed in my Tracker before I took it home.

[zildjian]

Thanks Wayne, do you recommend any specific batteries?

This might be a dumb question, but do companies make different sized 12volt batteries? as in narrower in size other than standard block shape? I only ask because I don't think I have the room for a third battery, but if I can somehow get a more narrower battery's I can make it work.

Thanks

[Wayne P.]

Yes there are several group sizes, but not narrow. Something like that would not have the capacity for much heavy deep cycle use.

 

I use the deep cycle batteries from Sams or Walmart in group 27 size. I get 5+ years use with them.

There stock turnover is high enough to always have fresh batteries.

 

You can sacrifice a storage compartment for battery/s and or charger.

[zildjian]

Yes there are several group sizes, but not narrow. Something like that would not have the capacity for much heavy deep cycle use.

 

I use the deep cycle batteries from Sams or Walmart in group 27 size. I get 5+ years use with them.

There stock turnover is high enough to always have fresh batteries.

 

You can sacrifice a storage compartment for battery/s and or charger.

Gotcha, thanks for the clarification! I've made up my mind, I'm going to purchase the Fortrex 80lb 24v I'll pick up new batteries and also have to add one more for the transition to 12v to 24v. As for the cranking battery.. Are you not suppose to have anything on that beside outboard motor? as for everything else goes onto the other two batteries like Livewell, Trolling motor, GPS navigation, and dash switches? I was always confused on what battery you can add connections to and which battery you don't add to.

[Wayne P.]

Gotcha, thanks for the clarification! I've made up my mind, I'm going to purchase the Fortrex 80lb 24v I'll pick up new batteries and also have to add one more for the transition to 12v to 24v. As for the cranking battery.. Are you not suppose to have anything on that beside outboard motor? as for everything else goes onto the other two batteries like Livewell, Trolling motor, GPS navigation, and dash switches? I was always confused on what battery you can add connections to and which battery you don't add to.

ONLY the trolling motor should be connected to the two trolling motor batteries.

 

All the other stuff connects to the outboard starting (cranking) battery. Livewell pumps, lighting, engine harness, electronics, bilge pumps and any other accessories. If you have a fuse panel for accessories, that is connected to the cranking battery.

If you add sofisticated electronics, you may have to upsize that battery to have more reserve capacity since it will be performing deep cycle duty when the outboard is not running.

[zildjian]

Thank you for clearing that up for me Wayne!

[junyer357]

Wayne is correct. TM batteries should only have TM and charger attached. Most folks use a dual purpose (cranking and deep hybrid) for cranking since the electronics slow drain it over the day.