You fellas that have an inflatable/boat, I need to ask ya'll what size/how long a shaft is appropriate. I have a Solitice Voyager 6 man inflatable that's still in the box.My motor mount is out for delivery now. I plan on getting at least a 46# thrust motor..which brand I don't know yet. No more than 2 people will be in the boat I might add. Thanx for any recommendations or comments here.

The shortest shaft which I think is 30" will probably work with most rafts unless the motor mount sits very high from the water. There is usually a tilt and height adjustment on the motor so that you can bring it up so it won't hit ground in shallow water. A 46 lb thrust motor probably weighs around 25 lb and takes a big battery weighing more than 50 pounds to run for 2 hours at full speed. Lawn mower battery would probably run about 40 minutes at the top speed.

If you're just starting out and have no experience with any of this, might be a good idea to stay close to shore until you get a feel for it, and always have a life vest on. In the case of a big puncture, the heavy motor and battery will take the boat down quickly, whereas someone using oars can cling to floating sections with trapped air for flotation.

Hope this helps.

My experience with a 30# Minn Kota on a 2 person intex inflatable. I set my prop 12" below the surface, used a 35ah gell battery, rarely used a speed above 2 or 3 and could get 2.5 hours of running time which translates to all day unless I got into a bad situation with the wind. I ran several years like this until I opted for a bass boat. I wouldn't go back for anything.

Just a heads up if you attach a trolling motor it is classified as a motorized boat. You will need to register it with TX numbers and have required safety equipment. Life jackets, sound device ect

I know....

Over many years, I have had an opportunity to either own or have access to different boating craft in sizes from large power boats all the way down to trolling powered rafts and pack boats. All of them have their pros and cons for particular situations or stages in life. Now, as an active senior citizen who travels and does rivers and Alpine Lakes, "less is more" seems to fit me perfectly. I haven't found anything better than a float tube for travel, easy mount and dismount, access anywhere without waiting at a boat ramp capability, ergonomic comfort, instant Grab & Go when left inflated and pockets packed, etc. I would not want to go back to all the insurance and maintenance (costing in leisure time and money) associated with power boats and the discomfort associated with kayaks, or any of the other crafts. That's just my opinion, I can respect that others will have their own.

How do you register a raft or in my case a canoe if you have no title? Ive had a canoe for many years and no receipt of sale, etc but would love to put a trolling motor on it.

To the best of my knowledge... you can't unless you are the original owner of the canoe. If you are, you can apply for a lost Certificate of Origin (similar to a tile). You might be able to apply for a bonded certificate (but you must first purchase a bond).

If my assumptions are correct, you will be better off selling your canoe without a certificate and purchasing another one with a certificate.

Good point and idea! thanks

Looking at the specs the sides are 21" tall. If you figure 12" submerged a 30" shaft will be too short. I'd say 36" would be more ideal.

You probably know this but if you get a TM get one with a digital controller built in. Minn Kota has the Endura Max. Without this your TM will draw full amperage regardless what speed your using it. With it your amperage draw is in line with your speed. Your battery will last a lot longer both in time on the water and in longevity.

Found this information on trolling motor shaft length selection, 36-inch shaft appears to be a better selection

https://www.minnkotamotors.com/support/faqs/how-do-i-select-trolling-motor-shaft-length

Here's some info on one of the five speed Minn Kota Motors without digital controller, which does not measure the same full amperage at all speeds (8 amps at slowest speed vs. 30 amps at highest speed)


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=37Kom6rQgBQ[b][/b]

Hope this helps.