36" or 45"

[Neth]

My boat came with a 36" shaft trolling motor. Would it matter if I put a 45" shaft trolling motor on it? It is a 1989 bass tracker panfisher16. The reason I ask is I can get the 45" a lot cheaper.

[gabowman]

Only a couple things to consider...How deep of water you fish usually? If deep, then it doesnt matter whether youre running the tm a bit deeper. And do you spider rig? If so the head cannot be up in your poles if fishing shallow water with the tm rised up. Lastly, will the longer shaft still fit your boat without hanging off too far off the side or too far back into your T-bar (without relocating stuff)? If all this is alright then going to a bit longer shaft aint gonna hurt anything.


And welcome to the boards Neth.

[Neth]

Thinks for the information I belive it will help. I'm new to this crappie fishing, my grandfather took me when I was little. But that was a long time ago. Once again thinks for your help.

[Bronson]

For casting, I like my the head of the trolling motor to sit down. On windy days I tend to whip the rod low to the water to stay under the wind as much as possible. If my graphite rod hit the trolling motor, goodbye rod.