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  1. #1
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    How long do go before buying a fresh trolling motor.

    My Ultrex is 6 years old.
    it is a little loose, somewhat noisier than it used to be and has a few quirks but it works.
    do you most of you run your TM until they are beyond repair or for a length of time and replace?

  2. Member haus9393's Avatar
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    #2
    Run it until it affects your time on the water. When it’s in the shop more than it works then replace it.

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    #3
    It seems there are some fix’s for your situation. I think if you do a search here you will find some bushings or other fix’s for general wear. For me on TM replacement( on MK stuff it is the new tech) that pushes me to spend over $3K for a new one. (6 or 7 years minimum for me)
    Tell me where has a slow movin' once quick draw outlaw got to go

  4. Member wmitch2's Avatar
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    #4
    If it works, and does what you want it to, then as long as it is working why replace it. Now if there is something "Newer Tech" that you want, or if you want to go from 80 to a 112, then that's the time.
    Ranger Boats / Mercury Motors
    G Loomis Rods / Shimano Reels
    Raymarine / MinnKota Ultrex
    Garmin / Live Scope Plus
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    Troll Bridge / V-T2 Vents


  5. Member
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    #5
    I did do the special bushings not too long ago, seems I recall they were made out of Delrin or similar.
    I try to keep it tight which simply means tightening the screws periodically.
    Recently the spot lock has not been as accurate, it always worked reasonably well before but now drifts some 15' or so before it really locks in, kind of frustrating.

  6. Member haus9393's Avatar
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    #6
    Quote Originally Posted by Kromer View Post
    I did do the special bushings not too long ago, seems I recall they were made out of Delrin or similar.
    I try to keep it tight which simply means tightening the screws periodically.
    Recently the spot lock has not been as accurate, it always worked reasonably well before but now drifts some 15' or so before it really locks in, kind of frustrating.
    Interesting on the spot lock as i don’t think that has came up before. For me I used a maxxum for about 6 years before I got a 2016 boat. Used the fortrex on that until the ultrex came out and ran the ultrex for 2018 until 2021 when I got my 2021 boat which now has the ghost.

    2023 Ford F150 XLT Super Crew 2.7L Ecoboost FX4
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    225ah cranking / 100ah trolling. Ionic/Relion lithium

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  7. Member fishnfireman's Avatar
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    #7
    My Ultrex is a 2018 model.
    I did the bushing upgrade two years ago after twice replacing with OEM's-- It's showing signs of wear but no major issues.
    Lube it twice a year and check for any loose nuts or bolts in the winter.
    Figure to run it until I think it's a liability in a tournament.

  8. Member Smalliefan2's Avatar
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    #8
    Ran Maxxum for 16 yrs. Replaced with newer technology, Ghost. Ran fine for me, and now on my brothers boat.

  9. Member bhjr.'s Avatar
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    #9
    Sounds like you’re getting the seven year itch!

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    #10
    Well it depends on how well to do you are. We poor boys run it tell it dies

  11. Member
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    #11
    I find I get a better price if the motor is still working to help pay for the new one. Bob
    Tell me where has a slow movin' once quick draw outlaw got to go

  12. Member fishnfireman's Avatar
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    #12
    Quote Originally Posted by bobcoy View Post
    I find I get a better price if the motor is still working to help pay for the new one. Bob

  13. Member
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    #13
    Here is the other thing; I don't want to spend $3500 on a TM only to have it for a few months and learn a brushless version is now available.
    What would you do, is there anyway to know a brushless version is in the works?

  14. Member
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    #14
    No, but my concern might be long term durability. The newish, brushless motors don’t have much of a history in the trolling motor market. They are still working the buggs out as well. I don’t see much reason for MK to abandon their tried and true brushed motor durability in trolling motors. If they start getting hurt by competition sales I am sure they will or have already designed and tested a brushless model. JMHO Bob
    Tell me where has a slow movin' once quick draw outlaw got to go

  15. Member
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    #15
    If you have good sized lithium batteries, the improved energy efficiency of a brushless motor is not much of an advantage anymore.
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    #16
    Run it until it breaks or you find a good deal on a spot lock model. Thats how I roll!

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    #17
    Keep running it as long as you can still get parts for it.

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    #18
    I just took off a 2004 fortrex, still works great, my buddy is running a old Johnson on a 1994 allison
    Ron Fears
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  19. Member
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    #19
    Quote Originally Posted by DewRonInc View Post
    I just took off a 2004 fortrex, still works great, my buddy is running a old Johnson on a 1994 allison
    The old Johnson troller with the square head and swept shaft was one of the best trollers at that time. I had one that lasted 11 years, and was still on the boat when I sold it.
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