MINN KOTA FORTREX Owner's Manual
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MINN KOTA FORTREX Owner's Manual

Bow-mount trolling motor
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FORTREX
BOW-MOUNT TROLLING MOTOR
Owner's Manual

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Summary of Contents for MINN KOTA FORTREX

  • Page 1 ® FORTREX BOW-MOUNT TROLLING MOTOR Owner's Manual...
  • Page 2 Thank you for choosing Minn Kota. We believe that you should spend more time fishing and less time positioning your boat. That’s why we build the smartest, toughest, most intuitive trolling motors on the water. Every aspect of a Minn Kota trolling motor is thought out and rethought until it’s good enough to bear our name.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS ......................4 WARRANTY ..........................5 KNOW YOUR BOAT ........................6 FEATURES ........................... 7 INSTALLATION ..........................8 Assembly of the Bowguard to the Mount ................9 Installing the Mount ......................11 Installing the Gas Spring Pin .................... 14 Placing the Bow-Mount Stabilizer ..................

  • Page 4: Safety Considerations

    WARNING You are responsible for the safe and prudent operation of your vessel. We have designed your Minn Kota product to be an accurate and reliable tool that will enhance boat operation and improve your ability to catch fish. This product does not relieve you from the responsibility for safe operation of your boat.

  • Page 5: Warranty

    Minn Kota Limited Two-Year Warranty on the Entire Product JOME warrants to the original retail purchaser only that the purchaser’s new Minn Kota freshwater trolling motor will be materially free from defects in materials and workmanship appearing within two (2) years after the date of purchase. JOME will (at its option) either repair or replace, free of charge, any parts found by JOME to be defective during the term of this warranty.

  • Page 6: Know Your Boat

    KNOW YOUR BOAT Port Starboard Inboard Outboard Keel Port Starboard Gunwale Transom Stern Gunwale Stern Hull 6 | minnkota.johnsonoutdoors.com ©2023 Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.

  • Page 7: Features

    FEATURES Directional Indicator Pedal Control Control Sleeve Assembly Head Mono-Arm Depth Collar Design Bowguard 360° ® Breakaway Protection Outer Shaft Lift-Assist Lifetime Warranty Flexible Composite Shaft Momentary On Button Constant Speed On Switch Control Knob Cool Quiet Heel Power Motor Prop Block High-Impact...

  • Page 8: Installation

    INSTALLING THE FORTREX Your new Fortrex comes with everything you’ll need to directly install it to the boat. This motor can be directly mounted to the boat or coupled with a Minn Kota quick release bracket for ease of mounting and removal. For installation with a quick release bracket, refer to the installation instructions provided with the bracket.

  • Page 9: Assembly Of The Bowguard To The Mount

    INSTALLATION Assembly of the Bowguard to the Mount ITEM(S) NEEDED #2 x 1 The Power Cables for the Fortrex trolling motor exit Toe End Toe End the Foot Pedal. The Foot Pedal is a part of the Motor Assembly (Item #2) and is attached to the Bowguard...
  • Page 10 ASSEMBLY OF THE BOWGUARD TO THE MOUNT ITEM(S) NEEDED #D x 1 or #E x 1 or #F x 1 Before installing the Mount to the boat, install Allen Screw Allen Screw the Bowguard to the Mount. Ensure the Mount is positioned flat on a level surface.

  • Page 11: Installing The Mount

    INSTALLING THE MOUNT Installing the Mount During installation, it is recommended to mount the motor to the boat CAUTION before installing the Gas Spring Pin. The Gas Spring Pin is installed in the Gas Spring Cylinder. The Gas Spring Cylinder is located on the The Gas Spring Cylinder can become damaged in the Mount inside of the Outer Arm, which is a part of the Mount.
  • Page 12 INSTALLING THE MOUNT Install the Mount on either the Port or Starboard side of the bow, based on personal preference. Test the placement of the Hold-Down Strap to be sure it can hold the Mount as placed. The position of the buckle Mount Mount on the Hold-Down Strap, either inboard or outboard,...
  • Page 13 INSTALLING THE MOUNT Once the Mount is in position, determine which bolt pattern to use. The motor will have either a Short Mount or a Long Mount. The bolt pattern selected will Pattern 1 depend on the deck space available on your boat. It is recommended to mark six holes in the base of Hold-Down Strap the Mount and to have three bolts on each side of the...

  • Page 14: Installing The Gas Spring Pin

    Installing the Gas Spring Pin The Fortrex contains a Gas Spring Cylinder inside the Mount. The Gas Spring works to enable Lift-Assist when stowing the motor and is located inside the Outer Arm, a part of the Mount. At this point in the installation, the Gas Spring Cylinder is not fully assembled and may move around inside the Mount when stowing and deploying the motor.

  • Page 15: Placing The Bow-Mount Stabilizer

    The Bow-Mount Stabilizer is not required or reduce bouncing when the motor is stowed and transported. included on the 80lb 45” Fortrex. Attention to detail is needed for successful installation of the stabilizer. We recommend to have the Bow-Mount Stabilizer installed by a qualified marine installer.
  • Page 16 Bowguard behind the spring. Secure with a 1/4” Allen Wrench. Tighten to 10 ft-lb. NOTICE: The two Lock Washers (Item #32) are not used when installing on the Fortrex. 16 | minnkota.johnsonoutdoors.com ©2023 Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.
  • Page 17 PLACING THE BOW-MOUNT STABILIZER Use a ruler to measure the proper length of the Stabilizer Stabilizer Aluminum Rod by standing it, with the threaded end Bracket Bracket down, onto the deck surface so that it sits vertically right next to the Stabilizer Bracket. 3/4"...

  • Page 18: Mounting The Foot Pedal

    MOUNTING THE FOOT PEDAL Once in the correct position, tighten the Jam Nut upwards against the Stabilizer Bracket. This will Top Bumper Top Bumper prevent the Aluminum Rod from turning. Stabilizer Stabilizer Bracket Bracket Jam Nut Jam Nut Install the Top Bumper if there are threads exposed on the Aluminum Rod above the Stabilizer Bracket.

  • Page 19: Dual Spectrum Chirp

    DUAL SPECTRUM CHIRP DUAL SPECTRUM CHIRP Your trolling motor may be pre-installed with a transducer system Dual Spectrum CHIRP featuring Humminbird’s Dual Spectrum CHIRP. CHIRP stands for “Compressed High Intensity Radar Pulse”. Dual Spectrum CHIRP is a 2D sonar transducer with a temperature sensor that is integrated into the lower unit of the trolling motor.

  • Page 20: Considerations For Connecting And Routing Dual Spectrum Chirp

    If using cable ties, do not over-tighten. Any excess cable should be bundled in a loose loop of no less than 4” in diameter. The connection cable should be routed to the fish finder following Minn Kota recommendations on routing the cables to optimize mobility and maximize functionality.
  • Page 21 CONSIDERATIONS FOR CONNECTING AND ROUTING DUAL SPECTRUM CHIRP NOTICE: Your fish finder should be turned off Toe End Toe End until this procedure is complete. Power Cables Power Cables Locate the Fourteen Pin Connector on the end of the Dual Spectrum CHIRP accessory cable. The cable will come installed from the factory and exit the base of the Foot Pedal.
  • Page 22 CONSIDERATIONS FOR CONNECTING AND ROUTING DUAL SPECTRUM CHIRP ITEM(S) REQUIRED #42 x 1 If installing directly to a Helix Adapter Cable, align Fourteen Pin Fourteen Pin Receptacle Receptacle the pins on the accessory cable or extension cable Connector Connector with the receptacle on the Helix Adapter Cable (Item #42).
  • Page 23 ROUTING CONNECTION CABLES Routing Connection Cables Please follow these instructions for routing any and all of the cables present for any pre-installed feature that may come with your trolling motor. This routing should be followed no matter the type of connection cable present. Locate the Dual Spectrum CHIRP accessory cable at the base of the Foot Pedal.

  • Page 24: Installing The Prop

    INSTALLING THE PROP Installing the Prop CAUTION Prop Prop Drive Drive Washer Washer Disconnect the motor from the battery before Prop Prop beginning any Prop work or maintenance. While holding the Shipping Spacer with a pliers or vise grip, remove the Prop Nut, Red Shipping Washer, Prop Washer and Spacer, being careful not to lose the Drive Pin.
  • Page 25 INSTALLING THE PROP While holding the Prop horizontal, tighten the Prop Prop Washer Prop Washer Nut with a 9/16" Deep Well Socket. Prop Nut Prop Nut Tighten the Prop Nut to 25-35 in-lbs. CAUTION Prop Prop Do not over-tighten as this can damage the prop. Drive Pin Drive Pin minnkota.johnsonoutdoors.com | 25...

  • Page 26: Battery & Wiring Installation

    CAUTION These guidelines apply to general rigging to support your Minn Kota motor. Powering multiple motors or additional electrical devices from the same power circuit may impact the recommended conductor gauge and circuit breaker size. If you are using wire longer than that provided with your unit, follow the conductor gauge and circuit breaker sizing table below.

  • Page 27: Selecting The Correct The Batteries

    Use a multi-stage charger to avoid overcharging. We offer a wide selection of chargers to fit your charging needs. If you are using a crank battery to start a gasoline outboard, we recommend that you use a separate deep cycle marine battery/batteries for your Minn Kota trolling motor.

  • Page 28: Connecting The Batteries In Series

    CONNECTING THE BATTERIES IN SERIES The negative (-) connection must be connected to the negative terminal of the same battery that the trolling motor negative lead connects to. In the diagrams below this battery is labeled “Low Side” Battery. Connecting to any other trolling motor battery will input positive voltage into the “ground”...
  • Page 29 CONNECTING THE BATTERIES IN SERIES 36-Volt Systems Three 12-volt batteries are required. The batteries must be wired in series, only as directed in the wiring diagram, to provide 36 volts. Make sure that the motor is switched off (speed selector on “0”). +36 Volts to trolling motor To trolling motor negative positive (or circuit breaker)

  • Page 30: Motor Wiring Diagram

    MOTOR WIRING DIAGRAM FORTREX The following Motor Wiring Diagram applies to all Fortrex Foot Control models installed with Dual Spectrum CHIRP. Control Head Indicator Light Fuse Orange Brown Ground Black M- Dual Brown Spectrum Red M+ CHIRP Red M+ Speed Adjustment Switch...

  • Page 31: Using & Adjusting The Motor

    Be alert for unexpected boat movement when operating the temperatures, which can be increased by an excessively hot Fortrex. The boat may encounter sharp turns and jolts if the operating environment. Use care when handling the Control steering is changed sharply or if broad changes in speed are Head and Foot Pedal to avoid burns or injuries from excessive made while operating.

  • Page 32: Stowing And Deploying The Motor

    STOWING AND DEPLOYING THE MOTOR STOWING AND DEPLOYING THE MOTOR WARNING When stowing or deploying the motor, keep fingers clear of all hinge and pivot points and all moving parts. Practice proper ergonomics when stowing and deploying the motor to prevent injury. WARNING Moving the motor creates a variety of pinch points.

  • Page 33: Motor Adjustments

    ADJUSTING THE LOWER UNIT FOR A SECURE STOW MOTOR ADJUSTMENTS MOTOR ADJUSTMENTS Adjusting the Lower Unit for a Secure Stow When the motor is stowed, the Lower Unit should rest on the Motor Ramps just inside the Motor Rest on the Mount. It is recommended to secure the motor using the following instructions to avoid damage to the trolling motor and Shaft from vibrations during transport.

  • Page 34: Adjusting The Depth Of The Motor

    ADJUSTING THE DEPTH OF THE MOTOR With the motor in the deployed position, firmly grasp the Motor Shaft above the Bowguard. Depth Adjustment Knob Locate the Depth Adjustment Knob on the Depth Collar. While holding the Shaft in place, loosen the Depth Adjustment Knob until the Shaft slides freely.

  • Page 35: Installing An External Transducer

    INSTALLING AN EXTERNAL TRANSDUCER INSTALLING AN EXTERNAL TRANSDUCER An external transducer is not included with your trolling motor. An external transducer can be installed onto motors that have Dual Spectrum CHIRP. For more information on Dual Spectrum CHIRP, please visit minnkota.johnsonoutdoors.com. Mount the external transducer according to directions Control provided with the transducer.

  • Page 36: Using The Foot Pedal

    USING THE FOOT PEDAL CONTROLLING SPEED & STEERING WITH THE FOOT PEDAL Most controls on the Foot Pedal are easy to operate by either foot or hand. Speed Control Toe End Knob Directional Indicator Momentary On Heel End Button Constant On Switch To Adjust Motor Speed Turn the Speed Control Knob clockwise to increase speed and counter-clockwise to decrease speed.

  • Page 37: Foot Pedal Adjustments

    ADJUSTING THE STEERING CABLE CAUTION Route the Foot Pedal Cable neatly to minimize tripping hazards. Practice proper ergonomics when operating the Foot Pedal to avoid fatigue and prevent injury. FOOT PEDAL ADJUSTMENTS Adjusting the Steering Cable The steering cable tension is pre-set at the factory but, through normal use, may need occasional adjustment. Adjust the tension of the cables by turning the Cable Stainless Steel Tension Adjustment Screw (Phillips pan-head screw)

  • Page 38: Service & Maintenance

    SERVICE & MAINTENANCE PROP REPLACEMENT TOOLS AND RESOURCES REQUIRED • 9/16” Open End Wrench • Flat Blade Screwdriver INSTALLATION Disconnect the motor from all sources of power prior Armature Armature to changing the Prop. Drive Pin Drive Pin Shaft Shaft Hold the Prop and loosen the Prop Nut with a pliers or a wrench.

  • Page 39: Removal Of The Bowguard

    REMOVAL OF THE BOWGUARD REMOVAL OF THE BOWGUARD TOOLS AND RESOURCES REQUIRED • (2) #3 Phillips Screwdrivers • Torque Wrench • 1/4” Allen Wrench • Needle Nose Pliers INSTALLATION Disconnect the Gas Spring WARNING Gas Spring Gas Spring Cylinder Cylinder Yoke Moving parts can cut or crush.

  • Page 40: Remove The Bowguard From The Mount

    REMOVAL OF THE BOWGUARD Once the screws are removed, the Cylinder Pin and Outer Arm Spacers can be removed from the Gas Spring Cylinder. Now it is safe to remove the Bowguard from the Mount when the motor is in the deployed position. Gas Spring Cylinder Outer Arm Remove the Bowguard from the Mount...

  • Page 41: General Maintenance

    GENERAL MAINTENANCE GENERAL MAINTENANCE • After use, the entire motor should be rinsed with freshwater. This series of motors is not equipped for saltwater exposure. • The Shaft requires periodic cleaning and lubrication for proper retraction and deployment. A coating of an aqueous based silicone spray will improve operation.

  • Page 42: For Further Troubleshooting And Repair

    Authorized Service Centers Minn Kota has over 800 authorized service providers in the United States and Canada where you can purchase parts or get your products repaired. Please visit our Authorized Service Center page on our website to locate a service provider in your area.

  • Page 43: Compliance Statements

    Minn Kota motors are not subject to the disposal regulations EAG-VO (electric devices directive) that implements the WEEE directive. Nevertheless never dispose of your Minn Kota motor in a garbage bin but at the proper place of collection of your local town council.
  • Page 44 COMPLIANCE STATEMENTS FCC COMPLIANCE This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: This device may not cause harmful interference. This device must accept any interference that may be received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Changes or modifi cations not expressly approved by Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.

  • Page 45: Parts Diagram And Parts List

    PARTS DIAGRAM & PARTS LIST FORTREX - 80/112 LBS THRUST - 24/36 VOLT - 45”/52” SHAFT ® The parts diagram and parts list provides Minn Kota WEEE compliance disassembly instructions. For more information about where you should dispose of your waste equipment for recycling and recovery and/or your European Union member state requirements, please contact your dealer or distributor from which your product was purchased.
  • Page 46 Not shown on Parts Diagram. p The Bow-Mount Stabilizer Assembly is not required or included on ✖ This part is included in an assembly and cannot be ordered individually. the 80lb 45” Fortrex. 46 | minnkota.johnsonoutdoors.com ©2023 Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.
  • Page 47 Not shown on Parts Diagram. p The Bow-Mount Stabilizer Assembly is not required or included on ✖ This part is included in an assembly and cannot be ordered individually. the 80lb 45” Fortrex. minnkota.johnsonoutdoors.com | 47 ©2023 Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.
  • Page 48 PARTS DIAGRAM & PARTS LIST 36 Volt 4.5” Motor Parts Diagram 114 112 48 | minnkota.johnsonoutdoors.com ©2023 Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.
  • Page 49 Not shown on Parts Diagram. p The Bow-Mount Stabilizer Assembly is not required or included on ✖ This part is included in an assembly and cannot be ordered individually. the 80lb 45” Fortrex. minnkota.johnsonoutdoors.com | 49 ©2023 Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.
  • Page 50 Not shown on Parts Diagram. p The Bow-Mount Stabilizer Assembly is not required or included on ✖ This part is included in an assembly and cannot be ordered individually. the 80lb 45” Fortrex. 50 | minnkota.johnsonoutdoors.com ©2023 Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.
  • Page 51 PARTS DIAGRAM & PARTS LIST FORTREX MOUNT Mount Parts Diagram 214 218 220 minnkota.johnsonoutdoors.com | 51 ©2023 Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.
  • Page 52 LATCH STRAP ASSEMBLY, SHORT *80 LB 45”* *112 LB 45”* 2773601 LATCH STRAP ASSEMBLY, LONG *80 LB 52”* 2994887 MOUNTING HARDWARE BAG ASSY 2991912 BAG, ASSY. FORTREX MOUNT HDW Item Part # Description Notes Quantity 2280800 LINK, BOWGUARD MOUNT, LEFT...
  • Page 53 Not shown on Parts Diagram. p The Bow-Mount Stabilizer Assembly is not required or included on ✖ This part is included in an assembly and cannot be ordered individually. the 80lb 45” Fortrex. minnkota.johnsonoutdoors.com | 53 ©2023 Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.
  • Page 54 ✖ LATCH, STRAP, LONG *SEE FF* 2283414 SCREW 5/16-18 SHCS, RIE 2281700 WASHER 5/16 LOCK 2285803 HANG TAG, WARNING FORTREX 2285801 HANG TAG, HOOK AND LOOP STRAP 2015800 HANG TAG "CAUTION" TILT HINGE 2297165 MANUAL-DISCLAIMER-DOWNLOAD INFO 2287111 INSTALLTION GUIDE, FTX FC...
  • Page 55 PARTS DIAGRAM & PARTS LIST FORTREX BOWGUARD Bowguard Parts Diagram 330 332 minnkota.johnsonoutdoors.com | 55 ©2023 Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.
  • Page 56 Not shown on Parts Diagram. p The Bow-Mount Stabilizer Assembly is not required or included on ✖ This part is included in an assembly and cannot be ordered individually. the 80lb 45” Fortrex. 56 | minnkota.johnsonoutdoors.com ©2023 Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.
  • Page 57 Not shown on Parts Diagram. p The Bow-Mount Stabilizer Assembly is not required or included on ✖ This part is included in an assembly and cannot be ordered individually. the 80lb 45” Fortrex. minnkota.johnsonoutdoors.com | 57 ©2023 Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.
  • Page 58 PARTS DIAGRAM & PARTS LIST FORTREX FOOT PEDAL Foot Pedal Parts Diagram 58 | minnkota.johnsonoutdoors.com ©2023 Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.
  • Page 59 Not shown on Parts Diagram. p The Bow-Mount Stabilizer Assembly is not required or included on ✖ This part is included in an assembly and cannot be ordered individually. the 80lb 45” Fortrex. minnkota.johnsonoutdoors.com | 59 ©2023 Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.
  • Page 60 Not shown on Parts Diagram. p The Bow-Mount Stabilizer Assembly is not required or included on ✖ This part is included in an assembly and cannot be ordered individually. the 80lb 45” Fortrex. 60 | minnkota.johnsonoutdoors.com ©2023 Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.

  • Page 61: Notes

    NOTES minnkota.johnsonoutdoors.com | 61 ©2023 Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.
  • Page 62 Stop buying new batteries and start taking care of the ones you’ve got. Many chargers can actually damage your battery over time – creating shorter run times and shorter overall life. Digitally controlled Minn Kota chargers are designed to provide the fastest charge that protect and extend battery life.

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