Trolling motor shaft length

[kenja]

I have been shopping for a new boat and think I have decided on a Ranger RT 178. If I do I'm going to change out the TM that it comes with to a Terrova 80 and I am wondering if I should get a 45 or 54 inch shaft? My thoughts are go with the 54 for better control in rough water. What are your thoughts?

[dwightparks]

My first terrova was a 54 inch shaft. Cut 8 inches out of shaft which I liked a lot better. Just installed a new ulterra with a 45 inch shaft. These were on a 361 ranger. loved the shorter length on the terrova but have not tryed the ulterra yet. One word of advice if you ae pulling boat with a cover on I would mount motor to a removable plate as cover does not fit good over terrova. Takes 30 seconds to remove my motor and then put cover on.

[samjoe]

Funny this has come up today. Yesterday I called my dealer to inquire and negotiate a deal on a terrova 55 12 volt for my G3 pro 175. The subject of shaft length come up. I told him I hadn't measured the shaft on the existing troller. He immediately said I needed the 54". I told him I could launch the boat and take a measurement for the formula that's used to determine the proper length on the Minn Kota website. He said don't bother get the longer 54.

[dwightparks]

I ran the 54 for a while when i first got my terrova. i can see where it is needed on deep v boats but never regretted cutting down shaft and is why i ordered a 45 in the ulterra model

[doggone]

if you are crazy enough to fish on the main lake in heavy wind and boat traffic....it's near impossible to keep the prop in the water.

[M R Dux]

If I thought I might ever need it, I would go with the 54. I got a good deal on a reconditioned Terrova 101 pound with a 60 inch shaft. I had every intention of cutting it down several inches but after running it on my new Excel Bay Pro, I doubt I'll cut it. You can always raise the head up higher with the collar. Can't put it down if the shaft is not long enough. Rickie and I put a ton of thought into positioning and I put a MK48 slide plate under the motor.

AND............I fish the main lake on KY and Barkley most of the time. One day last year it was so rough I lost a 788HDDI off the bow when I hit a wave..................but we were slamming big crappie and had the whole place to ourselves. If that makes me crazy so be it.

[gone_fishing]

Yes that's exactly what I do with mine too mrdux. Seems my terrova spot lock not what it was claimed to be though. When I hit spot lock it is constantly repositioning. A few times it has spun me into a fallen tree. I read where there may be some interference from metal so I removed my anchor and chain from the front and need to test if that helps.

[wilbur]

If you plan on getting one with I Pilot the only choices are 45 or 60. I just went through this. You can get the 54 without I Pilot and add the Pilot but it will cost about 300 more. I just got the 60 and cut it. Universal Mania had the best price as of 3 weeks ago.

[M R Dux]

If you plan on getting one with I Pilot the only choices are 45 or 60. I just went through this. You can get the 54 without I Pilot and add the Pilot but it will cost about 300 more. I just got the 60 and cut it. Universal Mania had the best price as of 3 weeks ago.

Bill, do you know if cutting the shaft down yourself might void the warranty? I've done it on a motor I bought used with zero trouble but was told to get an authorized MinnKota service center to do it to keep the warranty valid on a new unit.

[kenja]

Thanks for all the input. I am going to go with the 45. If it gets that rough that it is coming out of the I will just put it on the trailer.