Trolling Motor Shaft Length

[Cwitherington3]

I'm currently looking ata 1999 skeeter zx185c and the boat is going to need a new trolling motor. I'm new to bigger rigs so I'm not sure what shaft length I need to be looking at if anyone can give me any advise it would help a lot

Thanks

[Jaderose]

So....you're asking a huge group of (mostly) men how long our shafts are?    

 

 

 

 

(Sorry Bud.....couldn't resist)

[Angry John]

You will have to know how much freeboard that model has at the bow loaded and then the minimum depth you want the motor head when in the down position. If you go with the longer shafted motor you will most likely be OK. To short and your screwed.

[Bluebasser86]

I have a 45" on mine, anything longer just gets in the way. If I needed one longer than that I probably shouldn't be on the water then anyways.

[Way2slow]

For most bass boats and most conditions, I think 45"-48" would be the most desireable length. Any shorter and you will have problems keeping it in the water when boat wakes hit you or fishing bigger lakes that can get some pretty good chop on the points during Wendy days.

I put a 60" on mine because in the motor I wanted, that was all that was available at the time and a couple of places I fish, boat traffic can get pretty heave on a number of the main lake points. My 45" shaft I was replacing stayed out of the water about half the time under those conditions, so I figured the 60" would be better, WRONG! I spend much more time fishing skinny water coves where I need the motor up to run shallow and that frigging motor head sticking up three feet is a constant aggravation.

[Scott F]

Measure the distance from the top of the deck to the water line and add 12 inches. That's how Minn Kota tells you to choose the shaft length.

[WIGuide]

42"-45" is going to be what you're looking for. 

[Al Wolbach]

Measure from bow to water and add 15 inches(per BPS). Probably 42-45 inches as WIGuide stated

[J Francho]

I wouldn't be without a longer one, but I fish in big water and wind.

[fishballer06]

I run a 45" Motor Guide on my Blazer 202. Like others have stated above, measure as recommended above. 

[webertime]

19ft+ boat on big water (Great Lakes, Champlain, etc.) a 52"+ is a great idea.  The constant BUZZZ gurgle gurgle BUZZZZ big rollers is at a minimum annoying with the 42"ish shafts.

[Al Wolbach]

I wouldn't be without a longer one, but I fish in big water and wind.

 

I agree the longer shafts do help a great deal in very rough water/heavy wind but they can really get in the way when fishing good/fair conditions, especially if you like to  roll cast(underarm swing cast). Can be very hard on your rods. Everything is a trade off. But if you don't tournament fish most are headed home when the wind is 20+mph...........Al

[Robeng]

42-45 inch is probably the best range.  Measure from bow to water and add 12-15 inches.  I have a 45 inch 45 lb thrust MotorGuide xi3 on a 16.3 ft Lund.  Works perfect and the shaft up and down is adjustable of course.