Trolling motor length question (terrova)

[Gopher_Guy]

Hi I'm interested in buying a terrova with i-pilot. Seems they only make it in a 60 inch shaft. I have a Lund Explorer, 16.5 foot. I'm wondering if a motor this length is too long for my boat? I know you can buy the 2 items separate and install the kit yourself, but it's much cheaper buying the combo. Is this length too long for a boat my size or would it be OK? Thanks

[Esox_Magnum]

You can always raise it up a little, personaly I like the extra lenth just in case. We run a 60" on a 17' Tracker Targa and have had it come out of the water. I run a 54" on my Skeeter S 135 and when I upgrade to the Terrova I'll put a 60 on it.

[JohnMickish]

You will never, ever hear someone say that their trolling motor is to long. I run a 60" on a 1775 Pro V and it comes out of the water all the time. You can always make it shorter but you can't make it longer.

[PerchJerker]

If you're a walleye fisherman that's going to be bouncing around the middle of Mille Lacs in big rollers, you'll definately want the longest shaft size you can get.

But if you're not going to be bouncing around in rollers then you might want to consider how much space on the boat a longer shaft will take up, and how far your bow is above the waterline.

If you're a shallow water / slop fisherman you may want to go a bit shorter so you can run the motor up high, without so much extra shaft sticking up ---- again, it depends on how and where you fish and how high your bow sits above the waterline.

Other than the space issue there's nothing wrong with having a longer shaft, and if you're not sure it's better to err on the longer side.

[Ed Carlson]

Check your measurement from the bow deck mounting surface to the waterline, then refer to the chart on the MinnKota web site for recommended shaft length. When it is close...go longer. As others recommended longer is often better in the long run.

[whitebassman]

I have a 17'4" explorer and my terrova is fine. Like others said you can make it shorter and the length helps in waves.

[mr marbles]

go long you wont regret it!

[Gopher_Guy]

Thanks guys. I guess I was more concerned about the length hanging too far over the side when in transit. I guess if I went with that length I'd just have to re-position the mount so it runs along the side of the boat instead of using the existing angle that I have with my 48 inch model.

[PerchJerker]

Thanks guys. I guess I was more concerned about the length hanging too far over the side when in transit. I guess if I went with that length I'd just have to re-position the mount so it runs along the side of the boat instead of using the existing angle that I have with my 48 inch model.

You definately do not want it hanging over the side of the boat when the motor is in the stowed position. When mounting the motor you need to angle the motor so that the head is over the gunnel --- with a longer shaft this means the shaft may angle over part of the front deck and take up some usable space --- that's what I was getting at when I mentioned how much space in the boat a longer shaft will take up. If you're planning to use the existing mounting holes, look to see if you have room to extend to a 54" shaft with your 48" holes. If not, you need to stick with a 48" shaft or use new holes. Good luck.

[Whoaru99]

I agree with not hanging over the side of the boat...mine does a little bit. However, it's more important, IMO, that the motor do what you need it to do and that's stay in the water, even in waves.

[Chris Haley]

I can pop my Terrova off and on in less than a minute. I only have mine on my boat when I'm going to use it. I get 2.5 mph more with it off. Another option for you.

[JohnMickish]

One more thing to think about with the longer shafts, don't forget to support the head of the unit when zipping across the lake or going down the road. All the brains are in the upper end and you don't want it bouncing around.