160SS Bow-mount Trolling motor Shaft length.

[PlayD0h]

Hi
So I found a deal on a 54" shaft 70 lbs thrust Minn Kota, but I think if I was going to buy one new I'd get a 60" shaft.

Just wondering if anyone has experience or advice with a 54" and or 60". I'm worried about it pulling out of the water in rough water. Not like I fish on Big water, but it gets windy and 3' rollers aren't impossible.

I've read a couple posts and a couple people said they went with a 54" and one person advised to get a 50"+ so I'm thinking the 54" will suffice. I'd just like to hear from someone specifically before I spend a lot of money on it.

Thanks

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: 160SS Bow-mount Trolling motor Shaft length.

Would you be fishing in 3 foot rollers?
I guess you need to measure from the mounting point down to about the keel line I'd guess

 

[Starman8]

Re: 160SS Bow-mount Trolling motor Shaft length.

54" should be fine

60" became more common with the later models when the increase in beam width raised the overall heght
of the boat off the water, i.e deeper V

in 3 foot waves, even some 60" models will pull out every so often

 

[sschefer]

Re: 160SS Bow-mount Trolling motor Shaft length.

54" should be fine

60" became more common with the later models when the increase in beam width raised the overall heght
of the boat off the water, i.e deeper V

in 3 foot waves, even some 60" models will pull out every so often

Agree.

 

[PlayD0h]

Re: 160SS Bow-mount Trolling motor Shaft length.

I probably wouldn't head out in 3' rollers, but I'm often 10+ miles from the dock when I'm fishing, where I fish at most times. So heading back in 3' rollers isn't ideal, so I usually ride it out. When the wind picks up, it only lasts 2 to 4 hours usually, and I'm hard-core. I head out early and don't come back till dusk.

The mounting location to the keel is around 3', so I'd guess I'm being paranoid, since I cant see the bow coming out of the water completely let alone a foot & 1/2. lol. I'd have more then trolling motor breach to worry about if it did.

Thanks for the reply and info CheapboatKev, Starman8 and sschefer.

 

[dozerII]

Re: 160SS Bow-mount Trolling motor Shaft length.

Hey Paul, both my 16 and 18 SS I used a 54" shaft and it was loads long enough even in the roughest water.
Glen

 

[PlayD0h]

Re: 160SS Bow-mount Trolling motor Shaft length.

Thanks again Glen. Very reassuring and much appreciated.