Have had a evinrude 12/24 scout for a number of years and thinking about replacing it with a minnkota 24 volt. Really looking for some advise as to which way to go...Maxxum or Fortrex. Both are 80 lb and I THINK both will have the same type of pedal. The Maxxum HAS the lift assest but no US2. The Fortrex has the US2. The price difference is within app. $100 of each other. The Maxxum is a reconditioned model...the Fortrex is new (unopened box). The Maxxum has a 1 year warranty, not for sure about the Fortrex...may have to go by the serial number insofar as to how much warranty is available. Both motors come from reputable sources with appropriate paper work.

For you guys that have worked with both, or have knowledge about them...which way would you go? Will the Maxxum give you everything that the Fortrex can? Granted the Fortrex has the US2 which in itself might be the kicker. I do know the transducer in the Fortrex is a 200 so just about any type of "head" unit will work.

I know that there will be some rewiring and adding a 2 bank charging system. Kinda hard making a decision with only seeing one of them (Fortrex on display).

Thanks for the advise...

I have the Maxxum Pro w/US2, from what I can tell the only thing different is a bracket redesign. That being said my Maxxum works great very solid.

I do recommend the lift assist however I have that on mine as well it is very nice, keeps you from slamming the motor down and helps lift it up.

As far as the integrated US2, which I have, I am not sure I get as good of a picture on my HDS7 as a transducer that is meant to go with the HDS. It is a generic 50/200 khz transducer so in theory it should operate the same. I am having problems with the temp sensor on my US2 and when you have problems with this setup the whole TM needs to go to the repair shop (bad). The US2 does make for a super clean install though.

I don't know if this helps but just some observasions I have. Either one should work great for trolling but you just have to compare the bells and whistles.

Good Luck!

if i were to buy one.. i would want lift assist WITHOUT the universal sonar. use the puck that comes with your graph- you will get better clarity and definition with the transducer that comes with your graph.

I think that is a good call SR. That was kind of the way I was leaning.

Go with the Fortrex. All the Fortrex motors have lift assist also. The mount is quite a bit better than the Maxxum mount. There is a a lot less play in it and it is way quieter. The motors and the foot pedal are the same. If you don't like the US2 then you don't have to use it, they do work well though. I have been running a US2 with a Humminbird with no complaints. It is a Humminbird 83/200khz transducer though.

Truely understand what you are saying. I have talked to Minnkota on 3 different occasions in regards to their US2 sonar and have gotten 3 different answers. First answer, email, the minnkota puck is generic so as to take care of a variety of head units..would do an adequate job. 2nd email stated the "original" puck with the head unit would serve you "as good or better" than the original transducer. 3rd time I called them and they said it would do as good as manufacturer's puck.

The minnkota Fortrex is a "one time" shot. I ran across this item on another board when I was initially looking to purchase one without the built in transducer.

Looking at it as all things being equal and the difference in price is $100 I will probably go with the fortrex. If either one can provide the lift assist and perform relatively the same insofar as the pedal is concerned...well, I can always slap on my TM puck.

Thanks people for your advise...really appreciate it!!

for a 100 difference id go the fourtrex

i have ran a 80# fortrex for the past year ,
the only downside I have found is it stow's about 3-4 inches higher than my old maxum ..you have to really look around it when at idle speed.
other than that , it is a great troller