Fortrex Vibration Issue

This is not to start a TM war of opinions. Plenty of those to search for. I am new to MinnKota. Have a 2017 Fortrex 112 on a boat that had 60 hours on it when I bought it earlier this year. (so it hasn't been used and abused that much) The TM sure seems to vibrate more than my previous TM which was a old Motorguide Tour Edition. It's not a "something's broken or bent" type of vibration. Prop blades are practically new and the shear pin is straight. And the vibration doesn't happen all the time. Have been reading a little about the eliminator prop nut and reviews seem split down the middle on whether it actually dampens vibration OR is just cosmetic. I am not going to run out and buy a new TM so is this something I just have to get used to with a MinnKota?

I've noticed that some MinnKota props, even brand new ones, seem out of balance right out of the package. Same as you, mine has more vibration at certain thrust ranges but nothing that I thought was out of ordinary. The eliminator prop nut dampened the vibration and a bit of noise on mine. It's not like a total silencing, but it was a noticeable improvement.

I had the same issue on the same year and model. Bought prop nut and it helped but eventually it went away completely. Mine only happened on the highest speeds.

Assuming it was an imbalance somewhere that a little wear and tear took care of. Just because it’s new or has new parts doesn’t mean something isn’t off balance somewhere with it.

Take the prop off and make sure you don’t have line or other stuff behind the prop. Also the key, if there is one, may be bent from hitting a stump or other under power and need to be replaced. Both of those caused a ton of vibration on one of my minnkotas.

You can actually align the motor to ensure it’s quiet. Take prop off then loosen the two 9/16 nuts on either side of the prop shaft. Turn the motor on then twist in either direction to get to quietest position. There are actually three sections. Try at varying speeds then tighten back down and replace your prop.