Trolling Motor Shaft Length

[airborne_angler]

Just picked up a Used Minn Kota Endura 50 TM. Research has shown me that this motor comes in 2 shaft lengths. A 36" and a 42".I believe I have the 42" version.

If I run this on my 12ft Jon Boat and have it extended all the way into the water,with the tiller near the transom,will the length hinder the performance and efficiency of the motor? I know when I get into shallower(skinny) water,ill have to adjust the length to compensate for the depth of water,but what about when running in open water,would this motor be more powerful and efficient with the shaft not set so deep, towards the surface of the water...Does it even make a difference?

[Wayne P.]

The more shaft you have in the water, the more drag you will create. The motor only needs to be just below the hull bottom to get undisturbed water to the prop.

[airborne_angler]

The more shaft you have in the water, the more drag you will create. The motor only needs to be just below the hull bottom to get undisturbed water to the prop.

So then more shaft in the water+ More Drag+ Less efficiency

Now ley me throw a spin on this,what about the different angles(trim?) you can have the shaft at?

How does that play into the equation of amount of shaft in the water.

What would be the most efficient angle and shaft length to have in the water?

[Wayne P.]

The most efficient "angle" is direction of intended motion.

Basically if you want to go forward, the motor needs to be pointed forward.

You won't be getting on plane at high speed to need any trim angle for taking off or after getting on plane.

[00 mod]

Does more shaft in water, which equals more drag, also equal more resistance to wind blowing you around?