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Fortrex to Ultrex #12855730 08/07/18 12:29 AM
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SATopWater Offline OP
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So, just replaced a Fortrex with an Ultrex. Only two trips in, but some findings, for me anyway....

- The Ultrex is definitely heavier.
- I don't know why, but the Fortrex was stronger/faster than the Ultrex. I believe the Fortrex was a 102 and the Ultrex is a 112. Doesn't make sense.
- I have an SI transducer on the bottom of the Ultrex, which requires a cable up the shaft. I hate banging the cable on the mount for the Ultrex, so I need to make sure I'm rotating the Ultrex so I don't...no big deal, just need to think about it every time...I'll get used to it I'm sure.
- This thing is awesome. Only really checked a few features so far. Spot lock works. 15+ mph winds on Falcon, and yep, keeps you right where you tell it to.
- Didn't use constant speed on the Fortrex, but with the Ultrex, I can put it in Auto-pilot and then drift (on purpose) back and forth in an area using speed adjustments and really not have to manage the whole thing. Autopilot does it. Keeps me headed the same direction, with minor adjustments to the speed to accomplish what I want. Haven't completely pinned this down yet, but it's working for me in some big Falcon winds on deep rock.


[Linked Image]
Moritz Chevrolet - 9101 Camp Bowie W Blvd, Fort Worth, TX - Monte Coon (817) 696-2003
Re: Fortrex to Ultrex [Re: SATopWater] #12855739 08/07/18 12:39 AM
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ezbassin Offline
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So do you like it or not like it? You seem to have mixed emotions.

I love mine, it works great for me. I would not go back to anything else.

Re: Fortrex to Ultrex [Re: SATopWater] #12855754 08/07/18 12:43 AM
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BigDozer66 Offline
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Mine should be here tomorrow and then I'll need time to install it. woot


2016 Ranger RT188 Charcoal Metallic Dual Console
2017 Yamaha 115 VMAX SHO (VF115LA) SS Prop
Minn Kota Ultrex i-Pilot Link 45" 80 lb.
Humminbird Helix 10 Mega SI BalZout Console
Humminbird Helix 10 Mega SI BBT Bow Mount
Trick Step

[Linked Image]
Re: Fortrex to Ultrex [Re: SATopWater] #12855874 08/07/18 02:00 AM
Joined: Jul 2011
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David Burton Online Content
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On the auto-pilot... you can use the remote to change direction, but a tap of the toe or heel can be used to input minor (or major) changes in direction and then the auto-pilot adjusts. It allows you to follow the shoreline or contour semi-automatically. This is for those of us without the Link and Humminbird...


David Burton
2015 Skeeter FX 21 +Ultrex +Helix 12 (x3) +Mega360 +MegaLive
Re: Fortrex to Ultrex [Re: SATopWater] #12855895 08/07/18 02:15 AM
Joined: Jul 2015
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Flooringit Offline
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It is slower then the fourtrex. I have one worth every penny. Fourtrex is stronger cause it mounts better I believe.


2013 Phoenix 920xp
Re: Fortrex to Ultrex [Re: SATopWater] #12856533 08/07/18 06:33 PM
Joined: May 2017
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skeeterK Offline
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To help protect your ducer cable along the shaft try some spiral wrap from the BORG. You also have to make sure you run the cable to where it wont hit the U shaped bracket. Here's the link to what I use.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Gardner-Bender-1-2-in-3-5-ft-Spiral-Wrap-Black-FSP-BlackT/202905458

Re: Fortrex to Ultrex [Re: SATopWater] #12856869 08/07/18 11:30 PM
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SATopWater Offline OP
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I do love this thing so far after two outings. The guy that installed it did a great job. I wouldn't go back to the Fortrex.

But, yes the thickness of the covering going from the transducer around the motor of the trolling motor and the gap in the place you pull it up on to the bracket, cause it to hit if I don't turn the motor a certain direction. Again, not that big of a deal, but something that I noticed.

Yes, the Fortrex was "stronger." Putting the Fortrez on 100% and pressing the button, could sort of push you back a bit if not careful. The Ultrex doesn't do that. However, I did wonder if it was just a bit smarter and "slowly" cranking the speed. Since I don't "really" know how fast/strong each is, it could be that.


[Linked Image]
Re: Fortrex to Ultrex [Re: SATopWater] #12856926 08/08/18 12:11 AM
Joined: May 2014
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GIG'EM AGGIES Offline
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Originally Posted By: SATopWater
I do love this thing so far after two outings. The guy that installed it did a great job. I wouldn't go back to the Fortrex.

But, yes the thickness of the covering going from the transducer around the motor of the trolling motor and the gap in the place you pull it up on to the bracket, cause it to hit if I don't turn the motor a certain direction. Again, not that big of a deal, but something that I noticed.

Yes, the Fortrex was "stronger." Putting the Fortrez on 100% and pressing the button, could sort of push you back a bit if not careful. The Ultrex doesn't do that. However, I did wonder if it was just a bit smarter and "slowly" cranking the speed. Since I don't "really" know how fast/strong each is, it could be that.



The Ultrex is " smarter " topwater, it increases power slowly for a purpose. When you have it on spot lock if the motor went full power to hold you and it adjusted at a left or right angle it could throw you overboard. So it increases power slowly for that reason. If you read your manual there is an adjustment for that.


I am a Senager. (Senior teenager) I have everything that I wanted as a teenager, only 50 years later. I get an allowance every month. I have PU truck and a bass boat, I am blessed.
Conscience never acquits, it either accuses or excuses.
Re: Fortrex to Ultrex [Re: SATopWater] #12856931 08/08/18 12:13 AM
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EastTexasBassin Offline
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Beat me to it. Yes, the Ultrex accelerates slower but this is to keep you from losing your balance and falling out when you press the button.

Re: Fortrex to Ultrex [Re: SATopWater] #12856968 08/08/18 12:37 AM
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Bobby Milam Offline
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All the new bluetooth MKs build up speed slowly compared to the previous version. Change the settings on boat size and it will effect that. I used to warn people buying the old Terrovas to not listen to people who say you can never have too much power. I put a 36v on my boat and it would throw you out the side of the boat when it decided to correct one way or the other. My bluetooth version could do it also and would get up and move pretty quickly until I adjusted it. Now it is safer while fishing but you have to allow the speed to gradually build when trolling. I find it to be just as fast on the top end as the old model.

Re: Fortrex to Ultrex [Re: Bobby Milam] #12856993 08/08/18 12:55 AM
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Flooringit Offline
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Originally Posted By: Bobby Milam
All the new bluetooth MKs build up speed slowly compared to the previous version. Change the settings on boat size and it will effect that. I used to warn people buying the old Terrovas to not listen to people who say you can never have too much power. I put a 36v on my boat and it would throw you out the side of the boat when it decided to correct one way or the other. My bluetooth version could do it also and would get up and move pretty quickly until I adjusted it. Now it is safer while fishing but you have to allow the speed to gradually build when trolling. I find it to be just as fast on the top end as the old model.

Guess I need to read manual didnt know I was suppose to program boat size lol


2013 Phoenix 920xp
Re: Fortrex to Ultrex [Re: Flooringit] #12857283 08/08/18 12:34 PM
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Jake Shannon(Skeet4Life) Offline
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Originally Posted By: Flooringit
Originally Posted By: Bobby Milam
All the new bluetooth MKs build up speed slowly compared to the previous version. Change the settings on boat size and it will effect that. I used to warn people buying the old Terrovas to not listen to people who say you can never have too much power. I put a 36v on my boat and it would throw you out the side of the boat when it decided to correct one way or the other. My bluetooth version could do it also and would get up and move pretty quickly until I adjusted it. Now it is safer while fishing but you have to allow the speed to gradually build when trolling. I find it to be just as fast on the top end as the old model.

Guess I need to read manual didnt know I was suppose to program boat size lol

Idk if Im smart enough to use this Ultrex thing haha

Re: Fortrex to Ultrex [Re: Jake Shannon(Skeet4Life)] #12857313 08/08/18 01:03 PM
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Originally Posted By: Jake Shannon(Skeet4Life)
Originally Posted By: Flooringit
Originally Posted By: Bobby Milam
All the new bluetooth MKs build up speed slowly compared to the previous version. Change the settings on boat size and it will effect that. I used to warn people buying the old Terrovas to not listen to people who say you can never have too much power. I put a 36v on my boat and it would throw you out the side of the boat when it decided to correct one way or the other. My bluetooth version could do it also and would get up and move pretty quickly until I adjusted it. Now it is safer while fishing but you have to allow the speed to gradually build when trolling. I find it to be just as fast on the top end as the old model.

Guess I need to read manual didnt know I was suppose to program boat size lol

Idk if Im smart enough to use this Ultrex thing haha


Pretty much plug n play Jake, you can do it. Hardest part is paying for it. yawn


I am a Senager. (Senior teenager) I have everything that I wanted as a teenager, only 50 years later. I get an allowance every month. I have PU truck and a bass boat, I am blessed.
Conscience never acquits, it either accuses or excuses.
Re: Fortrex to Ultrex [Re: GIG'EM AGGIES] #12857651 08/08/18 05:03 PM
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Mike Keenan Offline
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I truly love mine, the only issue is the interference on my front helix... Ive tried ferrit rings, Ive run the power wires to the cranking battery and I still have the interference. Every time I touch the button the on the foot pedal I get the spots on the screen.
Anyone else having this issue?


R.I.P. Mike "pappy" "broken rod" Green born 07-16-62 on to better fishing 06-10-08.
www.basscat.com

Re: Fortrex to Ultrex [Re: SATopWater] #12857667 08/08/18 05:15 PM
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GIG'EM AGGIES Offline
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No trouble here Mike but I have a Lowrance on the bow. I have turned my 10" Bird console unit so I could see it while fishing and no interference on it. Are all your connectors covered ?


I am a Senager. (Senior teenager) I have everything that I wanted as a teenager, only 50 years later. I get an allowance every month. I have PU truck and a bass boat, I am blessed.
Conscience never acquits, it either accuses or excuses.
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