Minn Kota Power Drive for War Eagle

Hey Guys and Gals, Just got a brand new War Eagle 542 boat...I have a Merc 25 2 stroke on the back...Can't wait to get it on the water...

Just one thing...What size shaft do I need for a powerdrive trolling motor? I thought I would go with a PD because they are lighter than a traditional foot control, like an edge, and I could run the boat from the back...If I got a 48" PD shaft I thought I'd have a warranty center for minn kota shorten it down so it would not be so long...Maybe 42" or even 36"...I definately won't need a 48"...
Thanks for your help...

Just dont cut it so short that it limits your options on down the road. With tackle, batts, gas tank, fishermen in the back of the boat, make sure you still have enough shaft to go into the waves up front in case you decide to longline out the back or something. It doesnt hurt for the tm to stick up when in use as long as the tm fits inside the gunnell of the boat when stowed.;)

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Just dont cut it so short that it limits your options on down the road. With tackle, batts, gas tank, fishermen in the back of the boat, make sure you still have enough shaft to go into the waves up front in case you decide to longline out the back or something. It doesnt hurt for the tm to stick up when in use as long as the tm fits inside the gunnell of the boat when stowed.

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That's true. I removed a 42" motorguide and installed a 48" powerdrive with an i-pilot. Just adjust the shaft length to your needs. Still fits inside the boat while stowed - didn't want to cut.

I just thought it would be kind of strange to have a trolling motor bigger than my outboard...Ha Ha...Did you remove your 42 from a war eagle 542? Many thanks for your reponses..

I've got a 45" on an 860 DSV which is plenty long for me. Now if I had a couple of guys in the back, with bigger type waves, It might not be long enough. It might pop out sometimes.

Please take my advice and try the 48" BEFORE you cut it. You can always choke down on the length as others have already mentioned which makes it easier to retrieve.

I'm going to get it on Monday...I'll try it with the 48" shaft...Got my boat out for the first time today and I am very pleased. It is really stable and runds pretty darn fast...alot faster than I thought.

I appreciate the input...This will be my first experience w a Power Drive...

I now own my second PD and like them fine. Be sure to buy bigger than you need. If it's 12 volt get the 55lb. I had a 40lb PD on a stick steer boat that I used to have and though it fit the budget at the time, it was too small. When the wind got up I had to go home. I have a 17'8" bass boat now and a 70lb rip tide and it really cooks. used it in the wind the other day and I won't be going home early anytime soon. Someone said in another post that they had never heard anyone ever say"gee I wish I had a smaller motor". You'll like the PD.

Diffinitely the 48 in shaft maybe even a 50 incher....55lb thrust

With the longer shaft it makes it easier to get your motor back up on deck. Also with it sticking up some you can see it easier from the back of the boat to see which way its pointed. I put a 60 inch Terrova on my boat and was going to cut it.....everybody talked me out of it and I am glad they did.

I got a 14 foot Crappie Jon with a 54 inch PD 55#. I think it is "cool". Looks like the Locke Ness Monster going down the river.........