Recently installed a new Terrova 80 lb I-pilot with a 45" shaft on my 18 1/2 ft Ranger Bass boat and love it. It is plenty long for me and moves the boat really well no matter where I am in the boat. The Motorguide Tournament Digital motor that I had previously was a 42 in shaft, so I figured the 45 in would be fine for my boat and I was right. I bought the TM from a very reputable dealer who had seen the motor mounted on a number of bassboats and recommended the 45 for me. I knew with the 60 in that I would have had to go through the trouble of either paying a Minn Kota repairman to cut the shaft length down or do it myself and void the warranty. Plus, I don't like a Trolling motor set too deep in the water, and really did want it too tall on the front of my boat causing issues with my spiderrigging. I don't see any issue with deploying the motor, but I have added a strap around the shaft just under the head (like on most other trolling motors) to make it easy to pull up and/or deploy. Others will no doubt have differing opinions, but I'm extremely well-satisfied with the 45 in shaft.