I have new Fortrex 80 coming in the mail tomorrow and wanted to know if anybody has one and did not install the velcro strap that is suppose to help keep it stored when running? I just think it is an eye sore and never had one with my motorguide.
Also what do you do to keep the plastic looking new?

I would want the strap on mine. It's a little insurance that it will stay on the boat when you get in the rough water.

I have a strap on mine but never use it. The motor stays locked down just fine.

Yup. But mine is a Maxxum.

I have it, use it, and don't really notice it? As for the plastic....I use bass boat saver as soon as I get off the water and Mcguires protectant after washing.

The only time I use my strap on the lake is in really rough water. I strap it down when I put the boat on the trailer for some reason.

I just wash the plastic components, most "protectants" will suck the plasticizers and uv inhibitors out of the components.

I think they come with them because of the gas spring that is used for lift assist. If that thing is not in the locked position and you hit a bump going down the road it could pop up possibly. Likely? Probably not...but I'm guessing that is why it is there, safety for the gas spring.

If the water is calm, the strap is not needed. I use two straps and a bounce buster on my trolling motors. The additional straps really seems to help in really rough water. It keeps the motor from vibrating at all. When you are running large waves, it really does help. I have also run the ram mount on some boats which helps some.

Between the Minn Kota and Motorguide, it seems that the Minn Kota "snaps" down a little better such that the lower unit does not bounce around as much.

I saw a show where edwin evers swore by using a ram mount to secure his

I have a Fortrex 101 and only use the strap in rough water and towing,

I use mine. Don't want to take a chance on hurting that 101.

I "HAD" a wireless one a few months back. About a $1,500 trolling motor.

Slammed down in the water at 65 mph. Destroyed it.

It does not come with a factory strap. Minn Kota told me to go to hell.

Thanks guys...I will install it with the strap.

minnkota has been putting the strap on their trolling motors for a while. my maxxum has one. i never had one on any of my motorguides, but use the one on my current TM.

Now you thinking!!!