Pull Cable and Pull Rope Replacement

The following instructions will show how to replace the rope on an Ultrex, Fortrex, Maxxum, and Edge trolling motors. The instructions below use the replacement cable or the replacement rope.

Click here if you would like to purchase the MKA-49 (compatible with Ultrex, Fortrex, Maxxum, Edge)

Click here if you would like to purchase the MKA-45 (compatible with Ultrex, Fortrex, Maxxum, Edge)

Jump to:

• Ultrex Pull Rope Replacement with Cable & Handle MKA-49
  • Disconnect the Gas Spring (Ultrex)
  • Remove Motor from Mount (Ultrex)
  • Cable and Handle Installation (Ultrex)
  • Reassemble the Bowguard/Steering Module (Ultrex)
• Fortrex and Riptide Fortrex Pull Rope Replacement
  • Worn Rope Replacement (Fortrex and Riptide Fortrex)
  • Broken Rope Replacement (Fortrex and Riptide Fortrex)
  • Handle Assembly (Fortrex and Riptide Fortrex)
• Maxxum and Riptide Maxxum Pull Rope Replacement with Cable & Handle MKA-49
  • Process (Maxxum and Riptide Maxxum)
• Maxxum and Riptide Maxxum Pull Rope Replacement with Rope & Handle MKA-45
  • Rope Replacement (Maxxum and Riptide Maxxum)
  • Handle Installation (Maxxum and Riptide Maxxum)
• Edge and Riptide Edge Pull Rope Replacement with Cable & Handle MKA-49
  • Rope Replacement (Edge and Riptide Edge)
• Edge and Riptide Edge Pull Rope Replacement with Rope & Handle MKA-45
  • Rope Replacement (Edge and Riptide Edge)
  • Handle Installation (Edge and Riptide Edge)

Ultrex Pull Rope Replacement with Cable & Handle MKA-49

• Tools Needed
  • (2) #3 Phillips screwdrivers
  • 1/4” Allen Wrench
  • Torque Wrench
  • Needle Nose Pliers
  • MKA-49 Cable and Handle (item number 1854125) 
  • Clevis 
  • Clevis Pin

Disconnect the Gas Spring (Ultrex)

1. In order to remove the Bowguard/Steering Module, the Gas Spring needs to be disconnected. Place the motor in the stowed position.
   
2. To disconnect the Gas Spring, locate the Upper Cylinder Pin. Two Phillips Screws hold the Upper Cylinder for the Gas Spring in place. Using two #3 Phillips screwdrivers, hold the screw at one end of the Upper Cylinder Pin in place.
   
   
   
3. Remove the screw at the opposite end of the pin with the other #3 Phillips screwdriver.
4. Once the screws are removed, the pin and spacers can be removed from the Upper Cylinder.
   
5. Now it is safe to remove the motor from the bow mount when the motor is in the deployed position.

Remove Motor from Mount (Ultrex)

1. With the gas spring disconnected, place the motor in the deployed position.
   
2. Remove the 5/16" Allen Screw with a 1/4" Allen Wrench. The 5/16" Allen Screw is located on the opposite end of the mount from the hinge that opens and closes when the mount is stowed and deployed.
   
3. Once the Allen Screw and Lock Washer are removed, lift the Bowguard/Steering Module straight up until it is free from the mount.

Cable and Handle Installation  (Ultrex)

1. Once the Bowguard/Steering Module is removed note how the rope is routed through the mount, Rope Guide, around the Pin, and into Latch/Strap Rope Pull Bracket. The new cable will be routed in the same manner.
2. Remove the current rope.
3. Taking the new Cable and Handle, feed the new Cable End Stop down through the top Rope Guide hole, around the Lower Pin, and feed the Cable through the Latch/Strap Rope Pull Bracket. Pull the Cable through and out one of the cutout windows in the aluminum arm. This will allow room to attach the Clevis.
   
   
4. Attach the Clevis onto the Cable by sliding the clevis slot over the cable and sliding the Cable End Stop into the Clevis. Install the Clevis Pin and Retaining Ring. The Clevis Pin must be installed to prevent the Cable from coming out of the Clevis.
   
5. Pull on the Cable Handle until the Clevis slides into the opening between the Latch Bar and Latch/Strap Rope Pull Bracket.
   

Reassemble the Bowguard/Steering Module (Ultrex)

1. To reassemble the Bowguard/Steering Module, start with the mount in the deployed position.
2. Align the Keyways on the inside of the Bowguard/Steering Module with the End Links on the mount. Do this by positioning the Bowguard/Steering Module above the End Links on the mount.
3. Lower the Bowguard/Steering Module straight down until seated.
   
4. Reinstall the 5/16" Allen Screw and Lock Washer and tighten to 18 to 20 ft-lbs with a Torque Wrench.
   
5. Position the motor to the stowed position using the pull grip and rope to disengage the latch bar, allowing the motor to fold into a flat position.
6. Once in the stowed or flat position, the gas spring and spacers can be installed.
7. Locate the upper gas spring pin and spacers.
8. Align the end of the Gas Spring with the holes in the outer arm of the base.
   
9. Align the Pin with one spacer on each side of the Cylinder for the Gas Spring, so that it passes through one side of the outer arm, a spacer, the Cylinder of the Gas Spring, then an additional spacer and finally through the outer arm at the other side of the base.
   
10. The Pin should be secured on each end with a screw. Hold one screw in place with a #3 Phillips screwdriver and secure the other screw with an additional #3 Phillips screwdriver.
11. Tighten screws until the heads are flush with the outer arm.
    

Fortrex and Riptide Fortrex Pull Rope Replacement

The following instructions will show how to replace the rope on a Fortrex trolling motor. There are two methods presented; one for replacing a worn but not broken rope and one for replacing the rope if it has already broken. The motor will need to be in the deployed position or at least partially deployed to complete either method; if it is not possible to fully deploy the motor you will need to have someone support the motor so it cannot drop unexpectedly.

Worn Rope Replacement (Fortrex and Riptide Fortrex)

• Tools Required
  • a sharp knife
  • scissors or cutters
  • some electrical tape
• Process
  The affected components are the Fortrex Mount, the worn rope, the replacement rope, and the rope handle assembly and the “eye” washers (1 metal one where the rope meets the latch; 2 plastic ones in the handle assembly).
  1. Locate the knotted end of the rope; pull it outside of the mount so it is easier to access. It may be necessary to feed the rope back into the rope guide to make it easier to access the rope.
     
  2. With the rope clear of the mount, untie the knot or cut the rope so the knot is no longer connected to the motor.
     
  3. With the knot removed transfer the eye washer from the old rope to the new one.
  4. Line up the cut or untied end of the old rope with the unknotted end of the new rope, use the electrical tape to connect the ends together. Keep the electrical tape thin, two layers at the most.
     
  5. With the ends taped together gently pull the old rope; the new rope will follow it through. Continue feeding the ropes until the knotted end of the new rope and the metal eye washer are seated against the latch mechanism. Do not pull hard on the rope during this process as the tape joint between the two ropes will not take much extra force to separate.
     
     Note: When properly installed the portion of the rope with heat shrink on it will not be in the rope guide but will be next to it; it keeps this section of rope stiff so it cannot fall into the pinch points of the mount, it is not a wear guard.
  6. This completes the rope installation; follow the instructions for transferring the handle assembly below.

Broken Rope Replacement (Fortrex and Riptide Fortrex)

• Tools Required
  • a ¼” Allen Key
  • a tie down to secure the mount.
  Note: If possible the gas shock should be disconnected prior to removing the bowguard (following the instructions in your owner’s manual). If the motor is in the deployed position with the gas shock connected and the bowguard/motor removed from the mount the mount will open violently if the latch is operated. There is a safety catch to prevent this but additional steps should be taken to limit the risk of the mount opening unexpectedly.
• Process
  1. If you are not able to disconnect the gas shock you should securely tie the motor down prior to removing the bowguard. An anchor line, or a light ratchet strap wrapped tightly around the mount near the bowguard connection and secured or tied should be sufficient to prevent the mount from opening.
  2. With the mount secure use the ¼” Allen key to remove the cap screw that holds the bowguard to the mount. Be sure to keep track of the locking washer as it is an important component.
     
  3. With the cap screw removed lift the motor and bowguard and motor straight up and set the motor and bowguard aside. With the motor and bowguard removed you will have clear access to the latch system. Remove what is left of your broken rope.
  4. Slide the washer from the broken rope assembly onto the new rope. If the washer was lost you will need to replace it, it is a #10 washer in stainless steel or is available from Minnkota as part number 2151700. With the washer installed insert the untied tip of the replacement rope into the hole in the latch mechanism.
     
  5. Once through the hole in the latch assembly guide the tip of the rope below the pin just in front of the latch assembly then up through the hole in the rope guide.
     
  6. With the rope in place, reinstall the bowguard. Line up the recesses in the bowguard assembly with the dovetails of the bowguard mount links and lower bowguard and motor straight down onto the mount.
     
  7. Using the ¼” Allen key reinstall the lock washer and cap screw to secure the bowguard onto the mount. Once the cap screw is fully tightened it is safe to remove the tie down securing the mount.
  8. This completes the rope installation; follow the instructions for transferring the handle assembly below.

Handle Assembly (Fortrex and Riptide Fortrex)

• Tools Required
  • a small pry bar or medium flat blade screw driver
• Process
  1. Transfer the handle assembly from the old rope to the new rope. To remove the handle assembly from the old rope use a straight blade screwdriver or small pry‐bar to begin separating the plastic insert from the rubber grip of the handle assembly.
     
  2. Use firm pressure to get the locking tabs of the insert separated from the grip, excess or misdirected force can break a locking tab.
  3. Transfer the grip and then the two black nylon eye washers to the end of the new rope.
     
  4. Tie a figure eight not at the end of the rope.
     
  5. Align the ribs of the handle insert with the ribs of the handle grip. The ribs on the insert are “T” shaped, the top of the “T”s will be to the interior of the ribs in the grip assembly with the uprights of the “T”s going through grooves in the ribs of the grip assembly. Once lined up push the handle insert onto the handle grip until it clicks into place, the knot position will likely need to be adjusted to allow the insert to seat fully.
     

Maxxum and Riptide Maxxum Pull Rope Replacement with Cable & Handle MKA-49

The following instructions will show how to replace the rope on a Maxxum or Riptide Maxxum trolling motor. The instructions below use the replacement cable instead of the replacement rope. Click here if you would like to purchase the MKA-49. 

• Tools Needed
  • MKA-49 Cable and Handle (item number 1854125)
  • Clevis
  • Clevis Pin

Process (Maxxum and Riptide Maxxum)

1. 1. Note how the rope is routed through the Rope Guide, around the Pins, and into the Eye Shaft. The new cable will be routed in the same manner.
   2. Remove the current rope.
   3. Taking the new Cable and Handle and feed the Cable End Stop down through Rope Guide Eyelet, and around the Lower Arm Pin.
      
   4. Attach the Clevis onto the Cable by sliding the clevis slot over the Cable and sliding the Cable End Stop into the Clevis.
      
   5. Attach the Clevis to the Eye shaft using the Clevis Pin and Retaining Ring.

Maxxum and Riptide Maxxum Pull Rope Replacement with Rope & Handle MKA-45

The following instructions will show how to replace the rope on Maxxum or Riptide Maxxum trolling motors and Maxxum Pro trolling motors, using the MKA-45 Rope and Handle. Click here if you would like to purchase the MKA-45.

• Tools Needed
  • a side‐cutter
  • a flat blade screwdriver or pry bar if the rope is broken

Rope Replacement (Maxxum and Riptide Maxxum)

1. 1. To replace the rope on a Maxxum motor the mount needs to be either deployed or partially deployed. When replacing the rope on a Maxxum Pro motor the mount needs to be partially deployed.
      • A Maxxum or Maxxum Pro locked in the stow position can be released by moving the upper latch pin toward the bowguard. Note: the lower latch pin will move with the upper pin to release the latch.
        
      • To stow a motor that is fully deployed you will also need to release the latch system, the front edge of the latch system is visible at the front of the lower arm, moving it will require a flat blade screwdriver or pry bar.
        
   2. Remove all remnants of the rope that is being replaced, this may require using a side cutter to cut the rope.
      
   3. Run the tip of the replacement rope down throught the rope guide in the bowguard assembly.
      
   4. Guide the rope so it runs between the lower pin and the bowguard assembly.
      
   5. On Maxxum motors tie the rope onto the metal loop that is the end of the latch mechanism using a figure 8 knot.
      
   6. On Maxxum Pro motors run the tip of the rope through the hole in the middle of the pin holder.
      
   7. Place the eye washer on the rope, and tie an overhand knot.
      Note: If the motor is either fully stowed or full deployed most of the pin holder will not be visible and it will not be possible to complete this operation.
      

Handle Installation (Maxxum and Riptide Maxxum)

1. 1. Run the rope through the hole in the handle going from the smooth/rounded side toward the back side.
      
   2. Place the eye washer on the rope.
      
   3. Tie a figure 8 knot
      
   4. Pull tight to complete the installation.
      

Edge and Riptide Edge Pull Rope Replacement with Cable & Handle MKA-49

The following instructions will show how to replace the rope on an Edge or Riptide Edge trolling motor. The instructions below use the replacement cable instead of the replacement rope. Click here if you would like to purchase the MKA-49. 

• Tools Needed
  • Needle Nose Pliers
  • MKA-49 Cable and Handle (item number 1854125)
  • Clevis 
  • Clevis Pin 

Rope Replacement (Edge and Riptide Edge)

1. 1. Note how the rope is routed through the Rope Guide, around Lower Arm Pin, and into the Latch/Strap Rope Pull Bracket. The new cable will be routed in the same manner.
   2. Remove the current rope.
   3. Take the new Cable and Handle and feed the Cable End Stop down through top Rope Guide, around the Lower Arm Pin, and slide down the inside of the Lower Arm. Looking through the hole in the underside of Lower Arm, use a Needle Nose Pliers or similar tool to grasp the Cable End Stop and pull it out through the hole a few inches. This will allow room to attach the Clevis.
   4. Attach the Clevis to the Cable by sliding the clevis slot over the Cable and sliding the Cable End Stop into the Clevis.
   5. Pull on the cable handle until the Clevis slides into the hole in the Lower Arm.
   6. Using a Needle Nose Pliers or similar tool insert the Clevis Pin and Retaining Ring through the slot in the side of the Lower Arm, into Clevis, through the hole in Latch/Strap Rope Pull Bracket and out the opposite side of the Clevis. Install Retaining Ring onto the groove of the Clevis Pin.

Edge and Riptide Edge Pull Rope Replacement with Rope & Handle MKA-45

The following instructions will show how to replace the rope on Maxxum or Riptide Maxxum trolling motors and Maxxum Pro trolling motors, using the MKA-45 Rope and Handle. Click here if you would like to purchase the MKA-45. 

• Tools Needed
  • a side‐cutter
  • a flat blade screwdriver or pry bar if the rope is broken

Rope Replacement (Edge and Riptide Edge)

Note: Removing the motor from the mount will make this procedure easier and safer; please refer to the instructions in your owner’s manual for instructions on how to do this.

1. 1. In order to access the rope installation points the mount will need to be between the stowed and
      deployed position. If the mount is in the deployed position, and the pull rope is broken, you can release the rear latch pin by pushing it forward with a flat blade screwdriver or pry bar.
      
   2. If the mount is in the stowed position, and the mount is broken, the latch pin can be released by
      pushing/moving the upper latch pin.
      
   3. Remove all remnants of the old rope. Looking into the access window you can see the point where the rope is tied onto the latch bracket, use a side‐cutter to cut the rope between the knot and the latch bracket.
      
   4. Position the rope guide so it is on the side of the bolt closest to the hinge door.
      
   5. Run the replacement rope through the opening of the rope guide.
      
   6. Continue feeding the rope down, routing the rope between the hinge door and the lower hinge door pin.
      
   7. Note, the rope uses this pin as a pivot point, if not routed correctly the rope will not operate the latch as intended.
      
   8. Guide the rope into the lower arm, directing it to the access window in the lower arm. Use a needle nose pliers to feed the tip of the rope through the opening in the latch bracket.
      
   9. Pull out a loop of rope, use the end of the rope to tie a figure 8 knot around the loop.
      
   10. Pull tight to complete rope installation.

Handle Installation (Edge and Riptide Edge)

1. 1. Run the rope through the hole in the handle going from the smooth/rounded side toward the back side.
      
   2. Place the eye washer on the rope.
      
   3. Tie a figure 8 knot
      
   4. Pull tight to complete the installation.