Minn Kota Fortrex Bow Mount Trolling Motor – 80 lb Thrust | 52" Shaft | 24V | Dual Spectrum CHIRP

Reliable Bow Mount Power for Freshwater Fishing

The Minn Kota Fortrex delivers serious freshwater performance in a clean, durable package. With 80 lbs of thrust on a 24-volt system and a long 52" shaft, it's built for mid-to-large bass, walleye, and multi-species boats where quiet, consistent power matters from first cast to last.

Key Features

• 80 lbs Thrust / 24V — Moves mid-size to large boats confidently through wind and current
• 52" Shaft — Extended reach for boats with higher bow profiles or rough-water fishing where deeper blade depth improves control
• Digital Maximizer™ — Draws only the power needed at each speed setting, delivering up to 5× longer run time per charge compared to non-variable motors
• Built-In Dual Spectrum CHIRP Sonar — Transducer and all wiring run fully concealed through the motor shaft; Humminbird® CHIRP technology returns sharper fish arches and more detailed bottom structure than traditional sonar
• Indestructible Composite Shaft — Flexes on impact rather than snapping; backed by a lifetime guarantee
• Nitrogen Gas-Charged Lift Assist — Reduces stow and deploy effort by 50%, making rigging at the ramp fast and easy
• Counter-Tension Stabilizer (CTS) — Integrated spring arm eliminates motor play, dampens noise, and reduces steering torque at speed and in chop
• Mono-Arm Mount — Single hinge point with rear pivot bearing for a quieter, stronger mount than traditional scissor designs
• Marine-Grade Anodized Aluminum Beam — Lightweight, corrosion-resistant structural construction built for long-term use
• Removable Bowguard 360° — Detaches easily for portability and dock security
• Redesigned Foot Pedal — Momentary button stays within easy reach with more precise speed control
• Illuminated Directional Indicator — Easy-to-read heading display at a glance

Best Use Case

The Fortrex 80 lb / 52" is the go-to choice for freshwater anglers on 17–20 ft aluminum or fiberglass boats who want dependable bow mount thrust and integrated sonar without GPS or wireless complexity. The 52" shaft makes it especially well-suited for boats with a higher bow height (24–30") or anglers who fish in choppy reservoir and river conditions where deeper blade depth keeps the prop loaded and steering responsive.

Need more thrust for a heavier boat? See the Fortrex 112 lb / 45" / 36V. Ready to add GPS anchor lock and wireless control? Step up to the Minn Kota Ultrex 80 lb / 52" / 24V or explore the full Ultrex Quest Series.

Pair with a compatible Humminbird fishfinder or chartplotter to unlock the full potential of the built-in CHIRP sonar.

Parts Desk Insights

Best for: Anglers upgrading from a transom mount or lower-thrust bow mount on a 17–20 ft boat. The 80 lb / 24V configuration is the mid-range Fortrex — ideal for boats that don't need the full 36V system but want more than entry-level thrust. Wire two 12V deep-cycle batteries in series for a clean 24V setup.

Shaft length note: The 52" shaft suits boats with a bow height of 24–30". If your bow sits lower (18–24"), a 45" shaft may be a better fit — shaft length cannot be changed after purchase, so measure before ordering.

Sonar compatibility: The built-in Dual Spectrum CHIRP transducer networks with Humminbird units via Ethernet. It does not output a standalone signal to third-party fishfinders.

Battery recommendation: For a full day at variable speeds, use AGM or lithium deep-cycle batteries rated at 100Ah or higher per bank. Lithium chemistry pairs especially well with the Digital Maximizer's variable draw to maximize run time.