MinnKota

[Bobby]

Anyone ever shorten the shaft on trolling motor.

 

[huntinfool]

Shorten and lengthen. Cut your wires and splice back. Make sure you have the head lined up with the motor.

 

[DrNip]

What is the proper depth the propeller should be submerged? I've read anywhere from 9"-25".

 

[TNtroller]

In calm water, deep enough to control the boat without splashing the surface with the prop IMO, in choppy water, need a longer shaft or in the water deeper to keep the prop under water all the time. If the TM comes out of the water from rough chop, I'm going home. LOL.

 

[DrNip]

Well I ask because I am trying to determine the proper trolling motor length for my boat but it is a mixed bag of answers. Boat has 24" sides. Tolling motor comes in 48" or 54". I guess you can never go too long but can always go too short.

 

[huntinfool]

I have a 55" on mine and is only about 12-15" under the surface. I stand when I fish and it is just within reach.

 

[DrNip]

What size boat? Foot controlled or hand controlled?

 

[huntinfool]

I had my 55" on my 1654. Hand controlled. I'm 5'9" and the hand control was just within reach. Didn't have to bend down. I now have an 1860, I have it mounted, but not tested. I'm hoping for the same results.

 

[johnnybassboat]

I had my edge foot contolled trolling motor shaft swapped out for a 36" shaft. This is on my 16 foot short transom flat bottom. Never wished I left it longer. I fish mostly the Mississippi River up here and it can get rough at times but the motor never blows out. I hated the motor on my last boat it always seemed the head of the motor was in my way when side arm casting. I would go as short as you can get away with if its foot controlled. jmho