shortening trolling motor shaft-doable or not

[5150abf]

I have a line on a Motorguide wireless trolling motor but the shaft is a mile long, can I cut that down to fit my boat or no.
Probly would have to take off 18"-24".
I can use it either way but like I said the shaft is WAY too long

 

[John_S]

Re: shortening trolling motor shaft-doable or not

From looking at my MG Wireless, and having the top part of the head off, I'd say it is relatively easy. It looks like there is just one thru bolt and head would come off. Cut shaft and drill new hole. Now after removing the head you may find some sort of slotting in the shaft, which you then could evaluate if you want to go further or not. Also, I'd try to find some metal tubing to slide down the inside of the shaft to prevent hacksaw blade from nicking wires.

I'd make sure you don't take too much off. Measure and check a couple of times before cutting. That amount sounds like allot to cut-off. A 42" shaft is usually the shortest I've seen on bow mounts. Mine is a 48" which leaves me about 4-5" above the positioning motor. I don't like having it any lower. The coiled power wire will start to get tangled in cradle locking fingers.

Some pics of mine: http://joefish.homestead.com/TM_TD_Mount.html

 

[rndn]

Re: shortening trolling motor shaft-doable or not

You may want to try using a copper pipe cutter that plumbers use. You just keep spinning the thing while turning the knob in a little bit every turn. Shouldn't do any damage to the wires and you should have a nice clean cut. Just make sure you don't cut off too much. You will be suprised at how deep you need to run them to make sure the waves don't bring the prop out of the water.

 

[5150abf]

Re: shortening trolling motor shaft-doable or not

Thanks guys, that is what I was hoping to hear.
I will measure the one I have on the boat now and probly add a bit, much rather do it twice than screw it up once.

 

[lifeisfun]

Re: shortening trolling motor shaft-doable or not

I have the opposite problem, I got 48" w45 and I wish the shaft was 5-10" longer since when I move to back of the boat the prop starts slipping Any chance to extend the shaft ?

 

[JB]

Re: shortening trolling motor shaft-doable or not

On a TM with adjustable motor depth I think more is better and too much is just right.

I have had Minn Kota Power Drives with as much as 18" sticking up above the steering head. When I sold them it was to people who wanted a 55" to 60" shaft.

I say leave it alone.

 

[FishyFun]

Re: shortening trolling motor shaft-doable or not

If you cut it with a pipe cutter make sure you debur it well or it will eat up your wires in no time, same with a hack saw. You also need to find a place for the extra wire, it may or may not be able to jam into the tube meaning you would have to shorten wires also.

Leave it alone.

lee

 

[5150abf]

Re: shortening trolling motor shaft-doable or not

I will probly wait to see if I get it or not and see how it fits on the boat then decide if I want to get into cutting it down or not.
Thanks agian for all the replies.

 

[John_S]

Re: shortening trolling motor shaft-doable or not

"If you cut it with a pipe cutter make sure you debur it well or it will eat up your wires in no time, same with a hack saw."

Very good point. No need to test that circuit breaker!


"You also need to find a place for the extra wire, it may or may not be able to jam into the tube meaning you would have to shorten wires also."

This shouldn't be an issue. On non-transducer models, there is only the two power wires. There are already pigtails before it goes down the shaft. So shortening the wires is not a problem. If you have a transducer unit, there sould be enough space in head to coil the extra wire. That, you don't want to cut.


"You may want to try using a copper pipe cutter that plumbers use."

Will that work on a composite shaft? It would be nice if it did. It would be a more "finished" cut. I'd watch for splintering. Would tape over area, if using hacksaw, too.


JB makes a good point. It will depend on your boat and mounting position if you can get bye with the extra long shaft. It is usually more of a problem when stowed vs deployed. Another 6" on mine would be only slightly cumbersome, but 12" would stick-out considerably.