Quick question guys. I'm looking to get a new Fortrex. I was also gonna get a TH Marine handle/cable (unless you have a better recommendation). The guy I spoke to at a local marina said the Fortrex comes with a cable. But I swore they just came with the basic rope/cord that usually ends up breaking. Did they change this or does he not know what he's talking about?

 

Thanks! 

5 minutes ago, NorthernBasser said:

But I swore they just came with the basic rope/cord that usually ends up breaking. Did they change this or does he not know what he's talking about?

 

I'm pretty sure they come with the original rope, not a cable.  Or at least they used to.

 

I have a Maxxum (2015) that came with the original rope and its still perfectly fine.  I'm sure at some point it may break or rip or tear and then I'll replace it with a sturdier cable.  But so far, the rope has been flawless.  I'm pretty careful with how I stow and deploy it though too.

Appreciate it!

 

Anybody else buy a Fortrex more recently?

I've got one from year before last and it is a rope. My new Ultrex is a cable. It doesn't stretch like the rope on the Fortrex does

Same here: cable

If you want to replace a rope on your Minn Kota, I used a replacement 'lawn mower' D-handle that I picked up at Lowes for $10, and some 3/32" coated steel cable from either Home Depot or Lowes (they never seem to have coated stainless steel cable in stock in that size). The lawn mower replacement handle is the exact same one packaged in a very popular 'kit' that sells for $52 on the big A. It's very simple task to do on an 'Edge' trolling motor.

 

Add a couple of stainless steel cable clamps and a 'thimble' to connect the cable to the TM, and it's good to go. Having one of those ropes break (they get weak from the sunlight shining on it) can be a total PITA if it happens while you're on the water. Those ropes are living on borrowed time very quickly after being installed. 

I'd bet the newer model Fortrex comes with a stainless steel lift cable.  Either way, replacement cables are definitely steel cable:   https://minnkotamotors.johnsonoutdoors.com/accessories/trolling-motor/cable-handle-mka-49