Trolling Motor Shaft Length?

I’m looking for some advice on what shaft length I should get for my 18.6 Champion.
I have it narrowed down to the MK Terrova its available in 45”, 60 “or 72”.
My old old Motor Guide hand control is about 54”.
This new-fangled gear has me confused. Thanks in advance for the advice.
Wise comments would be appreciated because I probably have them coming for a DUH type question.

MK has on their site a diagram showing how to measure for the proper length based on the height of the bow above the water line. If you are going to fish in rough water where the boat is rocking a lot, you might want to go the the next size up.
If the MG worked OK, go to the next size up, don't go shorter.

I used to run a Champion 206. My Motorguide TE 82 with a 45 inch shaft would hold me in any wind that I should be out in. The longer the shaft the more deck space is gone when it is stowed and the deeper you will have to keep the boat when fishing.

I have a 60 inch Ulterra works great
You can adjust the height. But you cant add it

I would go with the 60 inch. My Champion I had in rough water the prop would come out of the water.

The hand controlled has to set higher to get the handle up for people to use. Most set the speed and use deck buttons to control the on/off, but the shaft length is usually longer for the head to set higher. Look at where you actually set the trolling motor depth collar and how much is above the mount, this will tell you how much below the mount and may give you a better idea. I actually think the 60" will be too long, but on a Champion, the 45" is probably too short and longer is better than short. The Terrova shaft can be cut off by an authorized service center without voiding the warranty. I'm thinking 50 - 52" is probably where you would want to be on the Champion.
John

Thanks for the advice.
Is was looking at the Riptide Terrova cause its available in 54". But I don’t know if its foot control compatible. Besides my boat is white and that saltwater edition looks pretty good.
What ya’lls opinion on that option?

Riptide should be able to use the foot control. it just doesn't come with one out of the box. I have a 60" Ulterra on my Champion and it would be way too long for most people. I've had one that I cut down to around 45 and it worked but barely. If the water got rough it would come out. Around 50-54 would be perfect on my boat. It's a 17"6" hull. 72" is for something like a pontoon. Like Jones TM stated, they can be cut down very easily. Mine was out of warranty so I did it myself. Took all of maybe 30 minutes to pull apart cut and put back together. If you are going to run the transducer cable up the slot you'll be at the same step in disassembly to cut it.

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Champion boats sit Bow High....





Feel free to give me a call if you have any questions Txbassin. I would be happy to discuss with you and get you better educated on the spot lock ect...on the technical side of each manufacture.

Also if you have Talons or Power Poles added on the boat, the bow is going to sit even higher. 52"-54" is what you'd need. Just in case you fish open water on windy days, to prevent cavitation in waves. This would be for foot control. Hand control would probably be 60".
As stated above, longer you can raise it. If too short, you can't add.

Thanks guys! Probably go with the Terrova and just do outside mount transducer.
I knew if i cam to this forum I would get some sound advice. Retiring Jan 4,2018.
Same Company a little over 38 years so I am ready to catch up on some fishing.

By outside mount transducer, if you mean one that is mounted on the lower unit of the Terrova, you can't do it on the new Terrovas. The lift assist (all come with it) runs in the groove that most used to run the transducer cable in. There is some aftermarket companies that make a coil cord to run the transducer cable in. It sets away from the transmission/steering module and allows for the cable to move with the stow/deploy of the trolling motor.
John

I have a Champion 184 SV. Have used both 42 inch MG and 45 inch shaft MK TM's for many years with little or no cavitation. 95+% of the time my old 45 inch Terrova and new Ultrex is setup with the shaft depth clamp 4-8 inches or more below the TM head.

Couple things to keep in mind - longer shaft TMs may stick up and get in the way when casting unless you drop it all the way down. This makes them more likely to hit bottom in shallow water or the tops of stumps, bushes, rocks, etc. Also - the head end of a longer shaft TM when folded down may stick out past the edge of boat's gunnel making it susceptible to damage from whacking docks, posts, trees, etc, This depends on the angle of the base on deck where it's mounted.

Unless you fish a lot in really strong wind in open water with big waves a 45 inch should be fine.

I have the same length champion too.Thanks for the advice. I have definitely decided not to get the salt water edition. Because of no built in transducer.

Remember the new terrova also has the handle on the shaft which is going to take up some of the shaft length unless they accounted for that and the 45" is actually longer than 45". I'd measure the water line on the boat and go to Bass Pro and measure the shaft below the mount to see how much water the prop will be in.

Now that I look into it closer the lift assist handle seems to be below the shaft depth stop.
So again thanks. I need to get off my lazy azz and just get on the water and do some measurements.

The Cable Guard. Call them and they will get you fixed up for the trolling motor you have on your boat. Great products and Good people to work with. The one in the video below is for the Ulterra.

https://precisionsonar.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/cableguard.mp4

Minnkota Terrova (manual assist) is adjustable..you can put 6" or 3 feet,..thats what I have and love it..

I have to agree with Old Champ (if you roll cast). I fish a lot of lake with stumps so I like to have the head just low enough to not cavitate, but that leaves the head sticking up about 8-10" above the bracket posing problems with roll cast and hook sets. I have a MK with 45" shaft on a Nitro 898.

I could not find the cable guard on Precision Sonar's website. Maybe I'm just stuck on stupid.

On the website click on order tab and go almost to the bottom of the page that opens.
Precision Sonar Cable Guard
$119.95
Fits Minn Kota Terrova, Ulterra, Ultrex and Motor Guide xi5. Fits 45" - 60" shaft. (72" shaft add $15) Easy to follow installation instructions included.

Click on link and scroll to the the very bottom then scroll up one image on left side you will see the video and description for the Cable Gaurd.

https://precisionsonar.com/products/

I am doing a follow up post just to mention that David at Shut Up and Fish is a great guy to work with.
I purchased the 60 “Terrova and Liftsaver Plus from him. Everything I ordered came in fast and undamaged. I had the shaft shortened by a authorized dealer and I am very pleased.
Thanks David for your help and honesty.

It was a pleasure assisting you. Thank you for shopping shut-up-and-fish.