Minn Kota Fortrex 80 Bow-Mount Trolling Motor - 24v-80lb-45"
Minn Kota Fortrex 80 Bow-Mount Trolling Motor - 24v-80lb-45" — Product description
Picture this: you're navigating a weed-choked bay at dawn, bass swirling just beyond the thick mat. Lesser motors would stall or snag, draining your battery before the action heats up. That's where the Minn Kota Fortrex 80 shines—a bow-mount beast engineered for freshwater warriors who demand unrelenting power and precision. With its 80 pounds of thrust and 45-inch shaft, it handles bigger boats through the nastiest cover, keeping you locked on fish without the drama.
Unmatched Durability for Hardcore Fishing
Built like a tank, this motor's anodized aluminum mono-arm mount laughs off brutal impacts from logs, rocks, or docks. Anglers who've run it through stump fields swear by the removable Bowguard 360, which pivots on dual bearings for silent resets—no rattles, no wear. Pair that with an indestructible composite shaft that flexes but never snaps, and you've got gear that outlasts seasons of abuse. In real-world tests on tournament trails, it powers 18- to 20-foot bass rigs effortlessly, even against wind and current.
Smooth Control That Feels Intuitive
Forget finicky steering. The ultra-responsive heel-toe foot pedal, crafted from high-impact composite, gives pinpoint control with a 5-foot cable that won't tangle. An illuminated directional indicator glows through fog or dusk, so you're always oriented. Variable speeds forward and reverse let you dial in stealthy drifts or quick repositions, while the Counter-Tension Stabilizer (CTS) eliminates slop for whisper-quiet operation—crucial when spooky walleye are keying on your bait.
Power Efficiency That Extends Your Day
Running on 24 volts with a 56-amp draw, Digital Maximizer tech intelligently rations power, squeezing up to five times more runtime from your batteries compared to basic motors. The Weedless Wedge 2 prop slices through vegetation without chopping, preserving juice for all-day hunts. Cool-running lower unit means less heat buildup, quieter runs, and longer life—perfect for multi-day trips where every minute counts.
Lift-Assist for Effortless Handling
Stowing and deploying shouldn't feel like a workout. The patented Lift-Assist uses a nitrogen-charged gas spring to halve the effort, guiding the motor smoothly into position. Release it, and it settles gently—no slams that could jolt your hull. Tournament pros love this for quick setups on multi-boat ramps, keeping your focus on the water ahead.
Real Angler Tips for Peak Performance
To maximize this motor, pair it with deep-cycle batteries wired in parallel for steady 24-volt delivery—monitor with the built-in battery meter to avoid deep discharges. In heavy weeds, bump to mid-speeds for the prop's sweet spot; it'll power through milfoil or hydrilla like butter. Routine rinses after salty freshwater edges prevent corrosion, and the two-year warranty gives peace of mind. Compared to slimmer electric options, its beefy build handles chop better, ideal for Great Lakes tributaries or southern reservoirs.
Why It Excels in Freshwater Pursuits
From bass boats to jon boats, this 45-inch shaft version fits decks needing extra reach for transom-hung outboards. No GPS or sonar clutter keeps it straightforward and lightweight at around 50 pounds deployed. Fishers targeting pike in lily pads or crappie over brush piles report fewer snags and more hookups, thanks to its torque and stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of boats is the Minn Kota Fortrex 80 best suited for?
It's ideal for freshwater bass boats, walleye rigs, or multi-species setups from 16 to 20 feet, powering through moderate currents and heavy cover with its 80-pound thrust.
How does the Lift-Assist feature work in practice?
A gas-charged spring reduces stow/deploy effort by 50%, smoothly lowering the motor without jarring impacts—great for solo anglers or quick trailering.
Is this motor good for thick weeds?
Absolutely—the Weedless Wedge 2 prop pushes vegetation aside efficiently, minimizing stalls and battery drain compared to standard blades.
What's the difference between cable steer and other controls?
Cable steer offers direct, responsive heel-toe pedal control for precise maneuvering, without batteries needed for electronics—reliable in all conditions.
How do I maintain the composite shaft?
Rinse after use, inspect for flex damage, and store upright. It's lifetime-guaranteed against breakage, kinking, or corrosion when cared for properly.
Does it run quietly on the water?
Yes, the CTS stabilizer, dual-bearing Bowguard, and advanced windings keep operation near-silent, reducing spooks on finicky fish.
What batteries should I use with this 24-volt motor?
Two Group 27 or 31 deep-cycle batteries in parallel deliver optimal runtime; the battery meter helps track levels for safe discharges.
Fortrex® is fearless, with a ruthlessly tough anodized aluminum mount, Mono-Arm Design and with 80 pounds of thrust. It tears through anything in its path — from thick weeds to stump fields — to deliver you to the fish.
Minn Kota 1368660 Attributes
- Water Type: Freshwater
- Steering Type: Cable Steer
- Speeds: Variable Speed Forward And Reverse
- Voltage Rating: 24 Volt
- Ampere Rating: 56 Amp
- Maximum Thrust Force (LB): 80 Pound
- Shaft Length: 45 Inch
- Mounting Type: Bow Mount
- With Sonar: No
- With Pinpoint GPS: No
Minn Kota 1368660 Features & Benefits
- Patented Lift-Assist Design Cuts The Weight Of Stow And Deploy In Half
- Removable Bowguard 360 Degree® Features A Dual Bearing System That Eliminates Noise And Allows For Improved Breakaways From Any Angle
- Counter-Tension Stabilizer (CTS) Uses An Integrated Spring That Applies Force Whether The Motor's Stowed Or Deployed
- Easy-To-Read Directional Indicator Is Built Into The Top Of The Trolling Motor Head On Edge Foot Control Models
- Ultra-Responsive Heel-Toe And Cable-Steer Foot Pedal, Made With A High-Impact Composite Material For Unparalleled Durability
- Digital Maximizer™ Provide Up To 5 Times Longer Run Times On A Single Battery Charge
- Weedless Wedge™ 2 Prop With Swept-Back Flared Blades To Power Through Anything Without Battery-Draining Chopping And Hacking
- Indestructible Composite Shaft Guaranteed For Life
- Every Minn Kota Lower Unit Runs Cool To Extend Trolling Motor Life, And Stays Quiet
- Limited 2 Year Warranty
Minn Kota 1368660 Installation Instructions
- MIN_productmanual_Fortrex-Install.pdf
- MIN_productmanual_Fortrex-FC.pdf
- MIN_productmanual_tm-battery-install.pdf
Fortrex
Freshwater Bow Mount
We left the solid, extruded aluminum arm on the new Fortrex™ exposed, so everyone on the water can see what they're up against: the most ruthless mount we've ever unleashed. With fewer moving parts, tighter tolerances and less give, Fortrex is the beefiest, meanest, quietest motor ever. Consider yourself warned.
Mono-Arm Design
Sometimes, the simplest solution is best. In this case, it's a revolution. Fortrex's innovative Mono-Arm Design features an extruded, anodized aluminum, structural beam that operates with no metal-to-metal contact and 75% less torsion. A single hinge point and rear pivot bearing with 20% more surface area deliver less wear, longer life, and quieter operation than traditional motor mounts.
Counter-Tension Stabilizer (CTS)
CTS uses an integrated spring that applies force whether the motor's stowed or deployed. On the water, that translates to a motor with no play, no give, reduced steering torque and silent operation.
Lift-Assist
Fortrex's Lift-Assist design cuts the weight of stow and deploy in half, making it as easy as lifting your SUV tailgate. It features a stainless steel, nitrogen-charged gas spring to get you in and out of the water with ease.
Removable Bowguard 360°
Lifting the motor and bowguard off of the mount is now even easier on Fortrex - just remove a single cap screw. The Removable Bowguard 360°™ also features a dual bearing system that eliminates noise and allows for improved breakaways from any angle.
Illuminated Directional Indicator - Fortrex
The easy-to-read, illuminated directional indicator leaves no doubt about where you're headed
Foot Pedal
Get wired to the water with our ultra-responsive foot pedal. Its new design is easier to operate, with more room for your foot and more exact speed =control.
Digital Maximizer
Digital Maximizer™ controls and optimizes power to extend battery life and reduce damaging heat. You'll stay on the water up to five times longer on a single charge.
Weedless Wedge 2 Prop
Push weeds away and take on the thick stuff without battery-draining chopping and hacking. Weedless Wedge™ 2 features swept-back, flared blades for unrelenting, reliable prop performance.
Indestructible Composite Shaft - Guaranteed For Life!
Pound for pound, our composite shaft is stronger than steel. It flexes on impact and won't break, kink or corrode. That's why we're confident enough to make it the only trolling motor shaft that's guaranteed for life.
Cool, Quiet Power
Nothing runs cooler or more quietly than a Minn Kota. Our extra large windings and commutators dissipate heat, resulting in cooler operation, extended battery power, and longer motor life. And our unique bearing system reduces friction to cut fish-spooking noise. So quiet, they'll never hear you coming.
Two-Year Warranty
This motor is backed up with Minn Kota's two-year warranty
Specifications
- Control: Cable Steer Foot Pedal
- Volts: 24
- Max. Thrust: 80 lbs
- Shaft Length: 45"
- Speed Control: Variable
- Max. Amp Draw: 56
- Prop: Weedless Wedge 2 (MKP-33)
The Minn Kota Fortrex 80 45-52 inch freshwater tug's towing motor is designed to tame rough waters, push dense vegetation and make heavy blows during hard fishing day after day. The Weedless Wedge 2 prop sweeps backwards and opens the leaves, which can remove weeds and penetrate thick objects without the hassle of consuming batteries and cutting down batteries. The motor is equipped with a luminous direction indicator to ensure perfect heading.
SKU: NVN-33623
MPN: 1368660
UPC: 029402031948
Technical specifications
| Brand | Minn Kota |
| Model | Minn Kota Fortrex 80 Bow-Mount Trolling Motor - 24v-80lb-45" |
| SKU / MFR# | 33623 |
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Frequently asked questions
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