need to find shaft length in order to get a new trolling motor for my Tracker

[fishmagnet75]

The Motor Guide trolling motor finally bit the dust with a cable problem for direction changing. Too bad - the motor still runs fine even in weeds. How do a find out shaft size in order to order a Minn Kota? I measured from the bottom of the housing to the top of the motor which measures around 43".

Is a new 42" MK the right one?

[Susky River Rat]

I think trackers come with 45” shafts. Even if it’s long you can always cut it down. 

[LonnieP]

You need a 45

[Dwight Hottle]

If you fish any rough water lakes the longer the better. Steady 2-3 foot waves require more length than normal/average. On my last boat I replaced my 60" trolling motor with a 72" to overcome the problems of wave height causing the prop to come out of the water. 

[A-Jay]

 

From Minn Kota Web site ~

SHAFT LENGTH RECOMMENDATION:

Choosing the proper shaft length is important; if it’s too short, the prop won’t be sufficiently submerged. We recommend submerging the center of the motor section at least 12 inches. (*See below for a few exceptions to this recommendation)

*Add 5" to waterline measurement for fishing in rough water. Optimal operating mode is with the engine trimmed all the way down.

*Add 9" for bow-mount Hand Control motors.

*We recommend that the propeller tip is submerged at least 12" below the water line to avoid churning or agitation of the water surface.

 

Remember these are just 'recommendations'.

As @Dwight Hottle noted above, fishing big water often requires a longer shaft length to compensate and account for the rise and fall of your rig over a decent swell.  Especially if the waves are close together.

I use a 62 inch Fortrex, which is a bit longer than 'recommended by Minn Kota for my rig.

But there are times when my prop is still grapping air half the day.  Not Ideal but it's the longest shaft they made at the time and the new ones are even shorter. 

 

 

BOW TO WATERLINE (IN)	RECOMMENDED SHAFT LENGTH (IN)
0" to 10"	36"
16" to 22"	42" to 45"
22" to 28"	48" to 52"
28" to 34"	54" to 60"
34" to 52"	72" to 87"
52" to 72"	100"

Good Luck with your purchase

A-Jay

[fishmagnet75]

Thanks for all your help but guess what - I found a fix for the stiff foot pedal problem.

 

There is a bracket with round handle for trolling motor height adjustment. There are two worm gear hose clamps - one above and one below the clamp. The one above can be tightened and not affect the turning of the motor seeing as how it's not around the shaft that does connect to it. The one below, around the shaft, was too tight and caused the foot pedal to be stiff when making direction changes.

I loosened it and that solved the problem.

 

Fortunately the order for a new t.m. that I made on Amazon at 2 am but canceled at 9:30 am., went through and I was refunded the amount paid

Thanks again. At least I know how to get the measurement if another tm one is needed. Trolling motors last a long time so doubtful I'll need a new one.

[airshot]

Just remember, better to be to long than to short !!