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Ultrex Shaft Length #12786754 06/10/18 04:51 PM
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Tight Lines Offline OP
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After fishing with the Maxxum 101 that came on my Skeeter ZX 250 for 11 years, I decided that the technology built into the Ultrex was enough to make me fork over a ridiculous amount of money to make the upgrade.
The only question was what shaft length to buy. I did a lot of reading on this forum and other bulletin boards looking for user experience with 45" and 52" shafts. Of course I also measured from the front where the mount was to what I thought would be the water line as Minn Kota suggested. I even went to a local Skeeter dealer to get their input.
So, armed with all of this information, and factoring in that I probably fish 90% of the time along shoreline or in water less than 15 ft. deep, I purchased and installed the Ultrex with the 45" shaft.
Had an opportunity to take it out yesterday for the first time to do the required calibration and practice with it for a couple of hours. In only slightly choppy water it took about 5 minutes to realize that I probably should have gone with the longer shaft. Even when I was at the front using the foot control, the prop was often breaking the surface.
That being said, all of the features worked as advertised and I'm looking forward to going on a real fishing trip soon to see if the shorter shaft will work long term.

Moritz Chevrolet - 9101 Camp Bowie W Blvd, Fort Worth, TX - Monte Coon (817) 696-2003
Re: Ultrex Shaft Length [Re: Tight Lines] #12786761 06/10/18 05:02 PM
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C130 Offline
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I have had the 45 on my Bass Cat Eyra for over a year and havent regretted getting the 45 at all. Im not sure how the Skeeter sits in relation to the Bass Cats though. Ive had it come out of the water on occasion but it still held us on spot very well. Id say 95% of the time the 45 has been great, hope it works out on your boat.


Bass Cat Eyra
Re: Ultrex Shaft Length [Re: Tight Lines] #12786766 06/10/18 05:07 PM
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Lesson for others: a little to long is way better than too short. Would have thought though that just sticking with the same length that had been working for you before would have been fine. Maybe the mounts are different so that even with the same length shaft the motor does not drop as far into the water when fully extended? Just questions/concerns for those considering purchasing one.

Re: Ultrex Shaft Length [Re: 361V] #12786776 06/10/18 05:19 PM
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Chet Offline
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Had a 45" on a Ranger Z119 and no regrets.


Re: Ultrex Shaft Length [Re: Tight Lines] #12786792 06/10/18 05:36 PM
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Tight Lines Offline OP
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Measuring from where the shaft enters the motor to where it comes out of the bottom of the mount, the Maxxum had 40.5" whereas the Ultrex only has about 33".
Glad to hear the shorter shaft is working fine for others.
After using it for a few trips, I'll report back if anyone is interested.

Re: Ultrex Shaft Length [Re: Tight Lines] #12786817 06/10/18 05:58 PM
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Clark3 Offline
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You can have the shaft swapped out prettt easily


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Re: Ultrex Shaft Length [Re: Tight Lines] #12786819 06/10/18 05:59 PM
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aggieangler03 Offline
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I prefer to fish offshore and I have a 19 boat. In bigger waves the motor blows out so I went with a 52. I see no reason to go 45 at all. I can always just raise it up a little if I need to but I cant make a 45 any longer.

Re: Ultrex Shaft Length [Re: Tight Lines] #12786857 06/10/18 06:35 PM
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Bobby Milam Offline
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Really no reason for people not to get a 52 over a 45. 7" really isn't going to interfere with you much at all. If you are coming out of the water in mild water, think about what it will be like in the rough stuff. Not good for the prop to go to high when out of the water and then drop back in the water. Lot's of wear and tear that isn't necessary.

I didn't have a middle choice with my Ulterra so I went with the 60". I haven't regretted it. I learn to cast around it and the nice thing since I can change the trim height with a touch of a button, it is really easy to lower it deep for deep water and get it out of my way. Make sure that you have it lowered as far as it will go. If you find it to be a problem later, like someone else mentioned, you can always have a new shaft put on it. The way I have been seeing them in shops with broken shafts lately, you might have to get a new shaft in the future anyway.

Re: Ultrex Shaft Length [Re: Tight Lines] #12786859 06/10/18 06:35 PM
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C130 Offline
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I believe on some boats the 52 shafts cause an issue with raising the rod locker with the trolling motor stowed. Id buy the 45 again but it works fine on my boat, maybe not others. Plus, my boat has about a 1/4 clearance to fit in my garage and thats after trolling motor is put up all the way.

Last edited by C130; 06/10/18 06:38 PM.

Bass Cat Eyra
Re: Ultrex Shaft Length [Re: Tight Lines] #12786890 06/10/18 07:05 PM
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Skeeter ZX225 with 52". I have even had that come out of the water while fishing off shore in the wind, so I definitely recommend the 52", unless you never fish out in the wind, then 45" is all you need.

Re: Ultrex Shaft Length [Re: Tight Lines] #12786964 06/10/18 08:14 PM
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EastTexasBassin Offline
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I just have a little Skeeter 176sx, but I got the 52" because the motorguide I used to have was always coming up out of the water on windy days.

I'm really glad I got the 52" so I can drop it down all the way in rough water. The only issue I've had was getting used to the motor being so much taller when it isn't dropped all the way down. My first day out with the ultrex I broke a rod. I was dragging a c-rig, got a bite, and swung the rod right into the motor on the hookset. Been more careful since then.

Re: Ultrex Shaft Length [Re: Tight Lines] #12786986 06/10/18 08:48 PM
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bradnitro175 Offline
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I went with 45 and still hit the head with the rod sometimes


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BIG FAT BASS LIVES MATTER


Re: Ultrex Shaft Length [Re: Tight Lines] #12787372 06/11/18 05:08 AM
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WackySenko Offline
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52.


"Its not an addiction...its a disease! and I LIKE it! keeps my sanity in this cruel world!"
Re: Ultrex Shaft Length [Re: Tight Lines] #12787410 06/11/18 10:49 AM
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John175☮ Offline
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45"

Never had a problem. Sometimes when the waves are big enough the motor does pull out but those few times 7" would not have made a difference.

I think it depends on how level your boat sets when fishing. A Skeeter tends to be a bit nose high. 52" would probably help.

Rangers tend to set more level. 45" would do.

Bass Cat sits a bit nose high. 52" might be needed.


“Do not pray for easier lives. Pray to be stronger men.” -JFK
Re: Ultrex Shaft Length [Re: Tight Lines] #12787420 06/11/18 11:12 AM
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Jarrett Latta Offline
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52" is perfect for both shallow water and when you're deep

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