Minn Kota Fortrex 101

[drivr8]

Im thinking about upgrading to a 101 fortrex from my 65 mk, also not sure if i want to spend the extra for the us2, i have a lowrance 510 on the bow, any thoughts?

[Long Mike]

I just upgraded to a Terrova 80 with the US2.  I got tired of having the puck knocked out of alignment every time I hit a stump.  Don't forget that you will need an adapter cable.  That's another $35.

[drivr8]

Thanks, i didn't know that.

[Hot Rod]

I'm also thinking of upgrading to the Fortrex from a 65 MK.

I heard someone advise not to get the US2 b/c if you bust it up or it wears out/breaks it is much more expensive to replace than a regular transducer.  While the US2 is more protected and less likely to fail, if it does fail, it could be an issue.  I guess it depends on how you fish.  If you are trolling around stumps/rocks all the time you may want to stick with the traditional transducer.

[K_Mac]

I have a Fortrex 80 w/US2. While it may be a little more expensive to replace a transducer, it is a lot less likely to break one with it mounted inside the housing. It is very cool not to have to worry about wires getting caught in the mount or catching the transducer on something. The way it is housed makes getting to it, if it fails, fairly straightforward. I think it is well worth the extra cash. 8-)

[drivr8]

So does the adapter cord plug to the foot control?

[K_Mac]

So does the adapter cord plug to the foot control?

Yes. One end to your sonar unit, the other to the foot control. Easy to disconnect when you take your unit off the boat.

[Long Mike]

I disagree with K-Mac. One end of the adapter cable goes to the TM and the other end goes to the head unit of the depth finder. The foot control has its own cable that goes to the TM.

[Fishes in trees]

The 101 is a 36 volt motor.  Be sure you've got room in your boat for the extra battery.  It takes 3 batteries dedicated to the trolling motor plus one starting battery for your big motor and electronic accessories.  Is there room on your on-board charger?  You might need to get a larger 4-bank charger.

The rule for trolling motor power is to get the biggest one that will fit.  Hope it fits on our boat.  Everyone I know who has the 101 loves it.

[K_Mac]

I disagree with K-Mac. One end of the adapter cable goes to the TM and the other end goes to the head unit of the depth finder. The foot control has its own cable that goes to the TM.

I don't know what your disagreeing with. There is a cable that comes out of the foot control that goes to the sonar unit. I am not talking about the transducer, but the display unit. In order to plug it in to the unit, an adapter cable is required. It is about 12" long. One end of the adapter cable plugs into the the sonar unit; the other end connects to the plug on the cord coming from the foot control. My sonar unit is a Lowrance 5X. That is the way it works. End of story.

[drivr8]

Room shouldnt be a problem, going in a tr21, yea i would have to get a 3bank charger too.

[Long Mike]

K-Mac, It's my mistake. I made the assumption that the Fortrex was wireless steer and instead it's the old cable steer. My mistake. My apologies.

[K_Mac]

K-Mac, It's my mistake. I made the assumption that the Fortrex was wireless steer and instead it's the old cable steer. My mistake. My apologies.

No problem.