Shaft length for Bow Mount?

[Dr Thunder]

I am going to purchase a Terrova Bow mount for my Alumacraft Trophy 170.

I often fish the bigger lakes- Mille Lacs, Vermillion, etc.

What shaft length do I need?? Is a 60" too long??

[remington 300]

probably not, theres a 54" version which is only 6 inches shorter, get the 60 inch,. i just bought one myself,80lb, 60inch with the i-pilot,

theres currently a 100.00 rebate on the terrovas at least there was thru the big c store of rogers and owattona,along with a 75.00 discount thru cabelas on purchases over 500.00. good price on these trolling motors.

[Dr Thunder]

The one in Owatonna is what I was looking at. I believe it is $1,297.00. With the rebates it is a good price. Only comes with the 60" shaft though.

Thanks for the response.

[remington 300]

when i say i just bought one, cabelas was out of stock, so they ordered it

and it will be shipped right to my house at no charge, will be delivered

about march 30th,

[CAMAN]

With long shafts like that I recommend you get the Ram Trolling Motor Stabilizer. It will prevent the head from slamming down when hitting waves and bumps and hopefully get you a few more years of life out of the motor. The electronics in the head of the unit don't like the shock and vibration associated with unsupported long shafts like that.

[Dr Thunder]

Will do. That is helpful to know.

Thanks

[Esox_Magnum]

Easier to rais the motor than add shaft when you need it. I run a 175 Trophy and some days 60 isn't enough.

[Dr Thunder]

Went to the Owatonna store today and like you say, they are out of them. Could not order either as the distribution center is out of them too now. So they started calling other stores and finally found one. They will call me when it gets here.

Nobody knew anything about the $75 off on over $500 though. Maybe later they said.

[Ed Carlson]

This will help.

Choosing the correct shaft length is important so that the angler’s electric motor does not cavitate. The rule of thumb is that the center of the motor section should be submerged 23cm. In general, shaft length selection is more critical with bow-mount motors versus transom-mount motors. Most boat transoms are similar in their distance to the water, and Minn Kota’s standard transom shaft lengths should be adequate. With bow-mounted motors, there is much greater variation in shaft length requirements. Minn Kota has developed a Shaft Length Selection Guide, shown in the Minn Kota Bow-Mount and Transom-Mount Product sections. This guide requires the angler only to know the approximate distance from the boat’s deck to the waterline.

* Add 125mm to waterline measurement for fishing in rough water. Add 300mm to waterline for steering a hand control while standing.

If Bow to Water Line Measurement is close to the top of the range, go one size range longer to be safe. It generally only adds $15 to $20 to the cost of the same package.

[remington 300]

hey doc, they ordered my motor right from minnkota i believe, and the75.00 rebate was from a card i had from one of there catalogs, the one with a ranger boat on the cover, if that matters or helps.

[JohnMickish]

Your trolling motor will never be to long, but can be to short. I've had the 60" shaft on my Pro V come out of the water so I can't imagine why anyone would want a 54". They have an adjustable collar to change the length if it's to long and you are in skinny water so go with the long one.

[mamohr686]

The above advice is good. The only thing i'll add is getting a snug tarp to fit over the bow with a long shaft, can be a challenge on some boats. You need to mount it at the correct angle so the head isn't sticking over the side. It that's the case, you might want to consider also purchasing a quick release bracket with your purchase.

[Dr Thunder]

Thanks for all of the comments. I did order the 60" Terrova 80. That I-pilot is gonna be some fun to use!

Now onto working on a sonar/gps unit. Spring is coming fast.