Changing trolling motor on Pantera II

This topic has 9 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 10 years, 3 months ago by schodackbassman.

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February 27, 2015 at 2:17 am #355661

btoth83
Participant

Looking at changing trolling motor from MG Tour to a MK Fortrex on a 2010 Pantera II. How difficult will it be to change? Will existing holes line up? Will the Deans boat cover still fit?

February 27, 2015 at 3:39 am #355666

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Just curious as to why you are going from motor guide to Minn Kota? I have a 98 P3 that I put a new MG on about 8 months ago. I have gone through 3 foot switches already! All under warranty but really frustrating. Dealer says there was a bad run of foot switches and that is the reason they keep burning out. I have always been a Minn Kota fan.

February 27, 2015 at 4:43 am #355670

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Just to clear this one up, We are not hearing of multiple foot switch issues on MotorGuide. We are actually hearing good things about both brands at this time.

February 27, 2015 at 9:40 am #355674

grybrd
Participant

I cannot address the issue of the boat cover but from Bass Boat Central I have read that the MG and MK TM mounting holes will align.

February 27, 2015 at 10:06 am #355678

cef1965
Participant

The holes will line up. You will need to remove the right side cover on the fortrex access the holes that line up for the MG. It seems like the instructions mention that. Follow the MK instruction very closely. That lift assist has a lot of power and could cause some damage to you if you dont follow the instructions.

February 27, 2015 at 3:05 pm #355682

btoth83
Participant

Jag, the MG has a bad bearing and a couple other issues which will cost $550 in repairs. I just like the MK better. Basscat, any thoughts of the fit of the cover by switching brands?

February 27, 2015 at 8:42 pm #355686

catdude28
Participant

Btoth, I am thinking that your cover will need some kind of release around the troller to accomodate the larger Fortrex mount. BCB should be along soon to verify. My last Cat had the Tour 82 as well, but I went back to MK on my new one. The lack of lift assist on the MG was the deal breaker as it makes a big difference for me. With your new MK be sure to unplug it when charging or install a battery cut off switch to prevent circuit board damage. With the Tour 82 that was not necessary with the on/off switch on the side.

February 27, 2015 at 10:29 pm #355691

Jones TrollingMotor
Participant

btoth83 wrote:Looking at changing trolling motor from MG Tour to a MK Fortrex on a 2010 Pantera II. How difficult will it be to change? Will existing holes line up? Will the Deans boat cover still fit?The Fortrex will go behind the Motorguide, but as been said, you will have to remove the right side plate to reveal the wider holes. Also, mount the mount first instead of following directions and putting the trolling motor on the mount first. Mount the mount, install the strut, then, with the arm in about a 1/2 deployed state (you may need some help to manage the heavier motor), place the motor on the mount. Also, pay close attention to the arm and if you have any rocker switches under the arm. On some Basscats, the Fortrex has to be spaced about 3/4″ off the deck in order for the arm to clear the switches. I poly cutting board, cut to size and drilled makes a great spacer.JohnJones Trolling Motor Services870 773 3474Motorguide/MinnKota/PowerPole/Lowrance/Humminbird

March 1, 2015 at 1:14 am #355694

btoth83
Participant

Thanks guys… Maybe I should contact Deans about the cover

February 27, 2016 at 4:21 pm #355698

schodackbassman
Participant

Hey btoth, I will be switching out my 74 Maxxum for 80 Fortex soon. Was curious how your install went and if you can offer any suggestions or troubles to watch out for. My biggest concern is getting access to the bolts under the deck. The only opening on my 07 Classic is the trolling motor plug plate. I had a hell of a time changing the trim switch because hole so small I could barely get my arm in. Even my wife couldnt reach it easily. Did you have to enlarge plug hole? Did plate fit after enlarging it if you did? Did you have to raise mount as Jonestrollingmotor mentioned? Is there an aluminum plate under deck or do we have to add one? Im hoping the holes line up, sounds like they should. I wont be tackling this project for awhile yet but Im looking to get prepared as much as possible ahead of time so when my friend comes to help we can knock it out in a reasonable period of time. I BCB or anyone else has some install suggestions that have changed TM on a Classic/PII, please feel free to chime in! Thanks!
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