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Trolling motor shaft length
#12720479
04/17/18 08:49 PM
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 65
B Reynolds
OP
Outdoorsman
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OP
Outdoorsman
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 65 |
I'm looking to purchase a Minn Kota Ultrex I-pilot and was wondering about the shaft length. I have a Nitro Z8 with a Minn Kota Fortrax 112 that has a 45" shaft. Would there be an advantage to going to the 52". Just looking for some input before I order one. Thanks!
Billy Reynolds 2015 Nitro Z8 w/250 Pro XS PB 10 lbs, 4 oz. at Alan Henry, 06/23/16. 11:30am. New PB 11 lbs, 5 oz. at O.H.Ivie, 03/03/17. 6:16pm.
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Re: Trolling motor shaft length
[Re: B Reynolds]
#12720488
04/17/18 09:01 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 19,806
Donald Harper
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 19,806 |
If you are going to start fishing off shore more because of the features on the new motor then the 52" will be a great asset in the wind. When fishing shallow, I pull it up so it still mounts on the bracket like it should; but about a foot is above the bracket knob. It holds there pretty well but will creep down over a two day period a few inches. Still no problem with having the longer shaft.
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Re: Trolling motor shaft length
[Re: B Reynolds]
#12720494
04/17/18 09:06 PM
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,333
Stompy
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,333 |
Had a 45" Fortrex and occasionally it would pop out of the water in some big off shore waves. Went with the 52" on my Ultrex and have not had that issue. Just as Donald has stated.
Last edited by Stompy; 04/17/18 09:07 PM.
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Re: Trolling motor shaft length
[Re: B Reynolds]
#12720563
04/17/18 09:59 PM
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 65
B Reynolds
OP
Outdoorsman
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OP
Outdoorsman
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 65 |
That's pretty much what I was thinking. I figure if it rough enough for the 45" to be coming out of the water, those fish better really be hitting good or I'll be some where on land sipping on a cool one. Thanks for the input guys!
Billy Reynolds 2015 Nitro Z8 w/250 Pro XS PB 10 lbs, 4 oz. at Alan Henry, 06/23/16. 11:30am. New PB 11 lbs, 5 oz. at O.H.Ivie, 03/03/17. 6:16pm.
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Re: Trolling motor shaft length
[Re: B Reynolds]
#12720608
04/17/18 10:32 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,666
squib
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,666 |
Went from a 45-inch Fortrex to a 52-inch Ultrex. Glad I did. And the collar takes up some of the length on the Ultrex shaft anyway.
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Re: Trolling motor shaft length
[Re: B Reynolds]
#12720679
04/17/18 11:30 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 16,885
ezbassin
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 16,885 |
If it doesn't take up too much deck space, go for it.
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Re: Trolling motor shaft length
[Re: B Reynolds]
#12720779
04/18/18 12:35 AM
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Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 10
Stump Monkey
Green Horn
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Green Horn
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 10 |
Buy a 52 and cut it down to 48
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Re: Trolling motor shaft length
[Re: B Reynolds]
#12720857
04/18/18 01:23 AM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 10,908
rj74955
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 10,908 |
One thing about going to a longer shaft on those Minnkota fortrex and ultrex,,, if you have a custom boat cover, the 52 stands a lot taller than the 45 when it's NOT deployed. Your cover most likely will not cinch down like it's supposed to.
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Re: Trolling motor shaft length
[Re: B Reynolds]
#12720948
04/18/18 02:30 AM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 608
aggieangler03
Pro Angler
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Pro Angler
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 608 |
Went from 45” to 52”. No regrets.
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Re: Trolling motor shaft length
[Re: B Reynolds]
#12721045
04/18/18 04:24 AM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 447
Jumpin J
Angler
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Angler
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 447 |
Better really need it, or I would get tired of the extra length, sticking upward, all other times. The cover fit is a real issue.
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Re: Trolling motor shaft length
[Re: B Reynolds]
#12721091
04/18/18 10:12 AM
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 85,960
John175☮
MACHO MAN
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MACHO MAN
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 85,960 |
Takes big winds to pull a 45" out of the water. Tournaments are cancelled before that happens and no angler with a brain fishes in winds that will kill them.
“Do not pray for easier lives. Pray to be stronger men.†-JFK
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Re: Trolling motor shaft length
[Re: John175☮]
#12721185
04/18/18 12:34 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,682
Happykamper
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,682 |
I have the 45 on my 21 foot triton, no issues with it coming out of the water, i think the Ultrex sits about about 2-3 inches more into the water than the four trex.
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Re: Trolling motor shaft length
[Re: B Reynolds]
#12721285
04/18/18 01:53 PM
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 13,532
Ken A.
Groovy
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Groovy
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 13,532 |
Something to think about. With the Spot Lock feature on the Ultrex, you are many times tempted to let the TM hold the boat while you & sometimes your partner go to the back oif the boat to fan cast at your target. This picks the nose of the boat up a bit, some more than others (depending on how big ole boy you are)
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Re: Trolling motor shaft length
[Re: B Reynolds]
#12721287
04/18/18 01:54 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10,559
Jarrett Latta
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10,559 |
52" all day. We fish very shallow and no problems with 52 ultrex
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Re: Trolling motor shaft length
[Re: B Reynolds]
#12721335
04/18/18 02:12 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,594
HARD WORKN HAROLD
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,594 |
For sure go with the longer shaft. I have a Z-8 and run a 60" shaft, but I am one of the crazies that fish points in high winds. In shallow water, the head does stick up a little but I don't notice any problem. It sure is nice when you and your partner are fishing from the back of the boat, no prop wash at all. Go with the 52" for sure, you won't regret it.
DON'T LET THE CLOTHES FOOL YA Life is too short to fish with a dead cricket! PB: wife of 40 years
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