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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?
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by wilbur
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.
Don't take this wrong because I sure don't want to offend. But why not get the longer and be sure it's long enough ? I only ask because I'm facing a similar decision. What kind of issues could I have with a 54 if I could have got by with a 45?
If you have a fiberglass boat that sets low to the water in my opinion the extra length it is not needed. Also the extra length to me was always in the way of rod holders and took up to much space. This is the reason my first terrova became a 46 inch via the hacksaw. I dont think warranty will cover if you cut it yourself but will if authorized repair does it for you. If this had been an issue on my ranger I would not have ordered a 45 inch ulterra to put on the same boat. If you haven't checked out the new ulterra I think it will be an awesome addition to any boat.