I have a Minnkota fortex trolling motor and I always use the strap on it. The guy at my boat dealership said the strap is only there if you if super rough water like on the Great Lakes. I just don't feel this is right so the question is when to strap? Also every ranger boat I've seen with a Minnkota has a little bar going from the top of the motor and the bottom of the bar sits on the carpet.(called a bow mount stabilizer) Mine does not have this and I think I should maybe get one because mine feels a little shaky.thanks

If you think it needs the stabilizer then buy one and install it.............you are the best judge on that!  I would get it installed ASAP once I felt it needed it.....because if I did not, then something would break while I lolly dodled around.

Great lakes is not the only place for rough water. I have strap on my deck that i use all the time. At high speeds any kind of wake that u hit weather its mother nature or a nother boat will make that trolling motor bounce up and down. Its takes just a second to secure your trolling motor! use it all the time, i do.trolling motors arent cheap, protect them. There are several methods and devices on the market.

Years ago i was fishing from a 17' aluminum boat and i nearly lost my trolling from rough water.

I use the Rod Saver strap for T/M  better safe than sorry. It's about $15 @ BPS

I use the Rod Saver strap for T/M better safe than sorry. It's about $15 @ BPS

Thats what i use!

I have a Fortrex and I use a trolling motor strap. Actually there's no down side of using one only an upside.

I know I just hate using it in tournaments. I think I'll keep strapping it for now. I was just talking to one of my friends with a Minnkota on his nitro and he said he's never strapped it.

It's strapped down whenever I'm not fishing.

 

I remove the strap when I get on the water, and strap it down before it's loaded on the trailer.