I have a new Fortrex on a bay boat. I went with the Fortrex because I have found without the breakaway option I have broken 3 shafts after hitting stumps at the lowest speed. I wasn't able to find a saltwater trolling motor with spotlock that had the breakaway option. I do have an on/off button installed so that I can control power to the trolling motor.

What are your thoughts on mounting the livescope transducer to the hand operated trolling motor shaft? I would have the option of directing the transducer w/o moving the boat.

thats prob what they were designed for ....

I see no problem at all with mounting it there

You will be in total control. "Tip" prop speed will be your friend when controlling the boat...

I wouldn’t consider anything else if I had to run the TM by hand than having it on the shaft of the TM.

No spot lock is a deal breaker for me.

But I am not fishing shallow , stumpy waters. Brushpile and timber is 99% of what I do.

good luck

MO

Appreciate everyone's feedback!

MO, I hear you on the spotlock, but I just cannot break myself of heading up a creek in the Spring or fishing stump fields.

I fish out of a 22 ft bluewave , it is not the boat for creeks. The last time I went to the back of creek , I severely bent the shaft of
my trolling motor. Never saw the stump , 22 ft of centerconsole does not stop on a dime.

I am looking forward to next spring , I plan on getting a bracket to let me look at prospective view on the livescan. I know of several
coves that don't have stumps , but should hold bedding crappie.


good luck

MO

I’d agree with Mo that spot lock necessary for LVS. My motorguide shaft is an unbendable lifetime warranty that’s made of composite. I’m sure Minnkota has something similar for their gps trolling motor.
Tim

Broke 3 composite shafts on a 20 ft Xpress Bay boat going at the lowest speed (w/o the breakaway option). Have hit numerous stumps on the highest speed with the 22 ft Skeeter Bay boat and never broke a shaft (w/ the breakaway). Both have saltwater Minnkotas.