Trolling Motor Shaft Size?

[Andyfender]

I have a 14' Grumman. I was looking at trolling motors and I found a good one at a fair price, although it has a 54" shaft. Are the differences between a 54" shaft and a 48" big enough where I will make a difference? Or should I get it and mover on?

Af

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trolling Motor Shaft Size?

As with many things, going bigger is usually ok. Ever heard the phrase "I cut it off twice and it's still too short?" Trolling motors are adjustable for height. But they are not adjustable if the shaft is too short. If you buy the 54 and it's way too long, remove the head and cut the shaft off. You obviously have to buy a new shaft if a 48 is too short. But since we have no idea whether you have a Grumman canoe, a Grumman row boat, or whether you are talking about a bow mount or stern mount motor, we can't begin to suggest what you need. In operation, the motor must sit at least 12-14 inches below the surface of the water wherever it is mounted.

 

[Andyfender]

Re: Trolling Motor Shaft Size?

As with many things, going bigger is usually ok. Ever heard the phrase "I cut it off twice and it's still too short?" Trolling motors are adjustable for height. But they are not adjustable if the shaft is too short. If you buy the 54 and it's way too long, remove the head and cut the shaft off. You obviously have to buy a new shaft if a 48 is too short. But since we have no idea whether you have a Grumman canoe, a Grumman row boat, or whether you are talking about a bow mount or stern mount motor, we can't begin to suggest what you need. In operation, the motor must sit at least 12-14 inches below the surface of the water wherever it is mounted.

Its a Grumman 14' 4.4 Utility boat, the trolling will be Bow mounted.

Af

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trolling Motor Shaft Size?

If the motor has a 54 inch shaft it will likely be quite long but it can be easily shortened. As I mentioned, you can also simply loosen the colar and slide the shaft up or down to whatever height you want. Go for it.