|
Forums59
Topics1,039,193
Posts13,960,698
Members144,194
| |
Most Online39,925
Dec 30th, 2023
|
|
 Trolling motor shaft length
#11311124
12/30/15 02:52 AM
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 319
HItec Redneck
OP
Angler
|
|
OP
Angler
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 319 |
I am looking to replace my current tiller style trolling motor with a Minn Kota Maxxum 70 foot control. This motor is only made in 2 lengths, 42 and 52" The bow to waterline measurement on my boat is 15". According to their specifications you should add 5" to the length for rough water conditions which makes my total length 22". Their chart says from 16 to 22" the recommended length shaft is 42-45". My concern is the 42 may be too short and the 52" is going to be way to long.
I am trying to figure out if the 42" shaft will be fine or if I need to be looking at a different series motor that has a 45" shaft.
|
|
|
Re: Trolling motor shaft length
[Re: HItec Redneck]
#11311475
12/30/15 08:52 AM
|
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 4,340
Bobby Milam
TFF Team Angler
|
|
TFF Team Angler
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 4,340 |
what length do you have now. no one can answer your question without knowing specifics about your boat. I almost bought the longer shaft for my boat but found the short one works regardless of how rough the water is.
|
|
|
Re: Trolling motor shaft length
[Re: HItec Redneck]
#11311638
12/30/15 02:24 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,957
Bob Landry
Extreme Angler
|
|
Extreme Angler
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,957 |
A lot is determined on what kind of water you'll fish in and how high the bow rises in rough water. The numbers MK uses to figure shaft length are good and the MSRP difference between the two lengths is only $30. If you are worried about it, get the longer shaft and try the motor in the conditions you fish in. A repair shop can always shorten it and you could even do it yourself. It's not that hard.
The only disadvantage to having the longer shaft is that it might possibly take up valuable deck space on the bow when not deployed. There is no other down side. I have the longer shaft on my Riptide and there have been a couple of times I was glad I had it.
2015 Seaark 1872 MV CC Etec-90
Two Helix 12 CHIRP SI's, , MinnKota Riptide ST80/i-pilot Link, Bob's Hydraulic
2020 Robalo R200 CC, Yamaha 150
Bitter Gun Owner
Bitter Clinger
Armed Infidel
|
|
|
Re: Trolling motor shaft length
[Re: HItec Redneck]
#11311665
12/30/15 02:36 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,292
Dayne
TFF Team Angler
|
|
TFF Team Angler
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,292 |
My Champion came with a 42" tm shaft. I had a 45" put on before taking delivery. There have been several occasions when that wasn't enough.
|
|
|
Re: Trolling motor shaft length
[Re: Bob Landry]
#11311786
12/30/15 03:39 PM
|
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 239
Kyle405
Outdoorsman
|
|
Outdoorsman
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 239 |
A lot is determined on what kind of water you'll fish in and how high the bow rises in rough water. The numbers MK uses to figure shaft length are good and the MSRP difference between the two lengths is only $30. If you are worried about it, get the longer shaft and try the motor in the conditions you fish in. A repair shop can always shorten it and you could even do it yourself. It's not that hard.
The only disadvantage to having the longer shaft is that it might possibly take up valuable deck space on the bow when not deployed. There is no other down side. I have the longer shaft on my Riptide and there have been a couple of times I was glad I had it. Well said.
|
|
|
Re: Trolling motor shaft length
[Re: Kyle405]
#11312655
12/30/15 11:39 PM
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 319
HItec Redneck
OP
Angler
|
|
OP
Angler
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 319 |
The current trolling motor that is on my boat has a 50" shaft (tiller style). I contacted a local Minn Kota dealer and he had me take some measurements off my current motor in the down position the 42" shaft motor will be long enough to go almost 16" below the water line. Right now the current motor is @ 14 inches below the water line and so far I have not had any issues with it in rough water.
Thanks for your inputs and suggestions. The new motor is on order and should be here by the end of next week.
|
|
|
Re: Trolling motor shaft length
[Re: Bob Landry]
#11324647
01/05/16 07:22 PM
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 563
Jones Trolling Motor
Pro Angler
|
|
Pro Angler
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 563 |
A lot is determined on what kind of water you'll fish in and how high the bow rises in rough water. The numbers MK uses to figure shaft length are good and the MSRP difference between the two lengths is only $30. If you are worried about it, get the longer shaft and try the motor in the conditions you fish in. A repair shop can always shorten it and you could even do it yourself. It's not that hard.
The only disadvantage to having the longer shaft is that it might possibly take up valuable deck space on the bow when not deployed. There is no other down side. I have the longer shaft on my Riptide and there have been a couple of times I was glad I had it. The shaft on a footcontrolled can be replaced, but not cut down. However, when you replace a 52 with the 42, the mount for the 52 is too long for the 42" shaft and will not allow the motor to ride in the correct position on the motor rest. The 42/45" is the most common and considered "standard" for MinnKota trolling motors on most bassboats. Some, and depending on waters fished, set "bowhigh" and need the 52". John
|
|
Moderated by banker-always fishing, chickenman, Derek 🐝, Duck_Hunter, Fish Killer, J-2, Jacob, Jons3825, JustWingem, Nocona Brian, Toon-Troller, Uncle Zeek, Weekender1
|
![[Linked Image]](http://images.yuku.com/image/jpeg/555150dd282bc5a1826a764e548118f80d18b4c.jpg)