My buddy and I are talking about shaft length, haha. I have a 52� shaft on my Ultrex and I like it. I fish Texoma quite a bit and really like the way it handles big waves. My buddy is looking at buying a new trolling motor and is deciding between the 45� and 52�. He is concerned about hitting the trolling motor with his rod if he has the trolling motor shaft up. This has never bothered me before. Just curious if y�all have this problem? Any other thoughts on 45� vs 52�?

You're friend should learn how to cast/pitch. 52", especially on a big lake like Texoma. Unless he fishes 10ft. or less. In that case, the 45" would be good 90% of the time. I've had both and found myself wishing for the 52 far more than the 45.

Tell him it's a mental thing. I also hated tall TMs when casting. Recently got an Ulterra and had 2 choices, short or long. I chose the long, 60". Now I keep it up higher than any other TM that I have ever had and thought that it would be an issue but so far I haven't had problems with it. The only thing that would cause me an issue would be skipping but I can just take a step further forward and no issue.

It really depends on the boat but I'd choose 52" and know that I have enough for rough days

I have a 45 Ultrex on my 21 foot Triton and rarely have i wished i had a 52, as it is now the head of the ultrex hangs over the gunnel pretty good, if i fished a lot of open water maybe i would change my mind.

I don�t know if it makes a difference, but he has a 20ft aluminum boat

You can always shorten one that is too long.....can�t make one that is too short longer!

Go to the Minn Kota site and they have a chart to tell you how to measure and which one you will need. My Champion, the bow sits high out of the water his boat might sit closer. It's as simple as measuring the waterline and the height where it will be mounted.

^^^^^^^ Exactly.

If you fish any sort of big water get the 52". As others have said you can always shorten them if need be relatively easily. That said, if you do shorten the shaft, make sure you also shorten the wires up top. If you leave them long they will loop in the head of the unit and your spot lock will have non-stop epileptic fits.

This. Really the only time it get's in the way of "casting" is if you're skipping docks or fishing shallow/close proximity. I'll stick with my 52.