The fortrex has a assisted stow and deploy system built into the mount. And the mount seems to be more heavy duty on the fortrex. I have had both and boy is the fortrex nice. Is it $400 nice that is upto you to decide. They are both great. Never had any issues with the maxxum, but I do like my fortrex. I will say this if i was just replacing a used troll-motor i would probably just get the maxxum, but since I was buying my “dream boat” I went all in and got the fortrex. Cant really go wrong with either. imho