Trolling motor swap question

[kmac4685]

I'm wanting to get rid of my mg tour 109 and go with a Minn kota fortrex. My question is will a 52in shaft work or should I go back with a 45in. I have a 2013 Basscat Cougar. Will it bolt up the same or will I have to make it fit.

[catdude28]

Bolt pattern will be the same. You may have to take the starboard side panel off the Fortrex to expose more mounting holes.

[bass-action]

Bolt pattern will be the same. You may have to take the starboard side panel off the Fortrex to expose more mounting holes.

Yes, this^^^^^. Very simple. I went from 45" Motorguide to a 52" Fortrex,no problem. There are days that I wish I had the 42" and days I`m glad I had the 52". So unless you fish Big water and deal with big waves alot 45" should be OK.

[kmac4685]

Do you have to adjust anything for it being a bigger motor.l?

[catdude28]

If you have a cover, you likely will have to get it released. MK sits higher than MG.

[AndyNegus94]

I personally would go with a 52”. I have a 45” on my boat and just with waves from boats driving my motor comes almost all the way out of the water.

[kmac4685]

Thanks guys for your help. I'm gonna get the 52".

[Jonestrollingmotor]

Drawbacks of the 52 over the 45 include not being able to open the port rod box with the trolling motor stowed. As mentioned above, the holes will line up. Depending the angle of the mount of the Motorguide, the Fortrex may hang off the port side a little. Let me know if I can help.
John

[G Rod]

Drawbacks of the 52 over the 45 include not being able to open the port rod box with the trolling motor stowed. As mentioned above, the holes will line up. Depending the angle of the mount of the Motorguide, the Fortrex may hang off the port side a little. Let me know if I can help.
John

John, you keep saying the rod box wont open with the 52 inch but I think you will find it will open, but is only partially blocked.

[bass-action]

John, you keep saying the rod box wont open with the 52 inch but I think you will find it will open, but is only partially blocked.

It opens far enough to where you can pull rods out with no issue.

[Jonestrollingmotor]

John, you keep saying the rod box wont open with the 52 inch but I think you will find it will open, but is only partially blocked.

Cougar and Puma have the same rod box. I have the Puma with with a 45" Ultrex. Rod box will open enough that if you're on the outside, you get to stand on something, reach around the end and "fish" for the rod you want while holding the lid. I have installed the 52" on a Cougar and was blocked apx the same way. yes the rod box will open, but not enough to support itself while you're getting rods out. I've been there / done that.
John