Trying to decide which trolling motor shaft length is appropriate for Skeeter FXR. My previous boat had a 52" shaft, which I would have to raise up when fishing very shallow (Tawakoni). This is a minor inconvenience, but at times the trolling motor head was high enough that it affected my casting. On the other hand I never recall any issue with the motor coming out of the water in big wave fishing offshore. Any Skeeter owners out there that have experience with 45" shaft on the new R boats? Anyone purchase a 45" and regret it?

Thanks

I went with the 45" version on my ZXR20 I pick up this next week. I had the 52" on my ZX250 that I traded in. I fish shallow more often than not it was in my way especially pitching and flipping.

I have a Skeeter 225. I fish a lot of open water. The MK Ulterra 45" was a mistake for me, mine comes out of the water pretty often in any kind of rough water

If you fish offshore any, you need the 52”. It’s not that big of deal for me to adjust TM to raise in shallow water and I’m an old and fat guy....I fish more offshore, though, with exception of spawn.

Tough decision for me also. I'm running a 52" right now and hate it for fishing shallow. But on those few days I'm fishing offshore and the wind is blowing it's great.

45 was a mistake for me.

Having the extra shaft length is critical and worth the small annoyance of it sticking up higher in shallow water. It's hard to hold on a spot when your trolling motor is coming up out of the water. I have an older skeeter but its going to be close to the same on any boat. 45" is too short to fish in the wind.

Agreed. (I meant on needing the 52 not you being old & fat)

I went with the 45" on the ultrex. I figured of the wind was blowing so hard that the 45" was coming out of the water, I didn't be out there!

+1 to all of the above.

Thanks this really helps. Sounds like 52” will suit my needs best.

With friends like you, who needs enemies?

You can always raise the trolling motor if it is too far down so you can fish shallow, you may decide to fish deep more often and want the longer shaft.