Trolling motor question

[poorbiker]

I am looking at purchasing a trolling motor and just wondering what length of shaft I should get. I found a used one that is 65# thrust with a 42" shaft. My boat is 18 foot V-hull. Will this be enough shaft length???

[korn_fish]

poorbiker - It depends on the depth of the boot. 18 footer can mean so many things. i.e. a small 18 foot v-hull like the lund alaskan compared to an 18 foot v-hull lund pro sport. Both 18 foot v-hulls, way different requirement for shaft length and thrust.

If you can get some more specs, might be able to help more on this.

[poorbiker]

When I am in calm water and measure from the top of bow to the top of water it is 22".

[Moose-Hunter]

I'm thinking that a 42"er, may be a bit short for your boat. I was running a 48" shaft on my 16' Lund Angler SS (A vee hull, but not too deep) and found that I needed more length. With the motor as far down as it could go in the mount, I still aired out the prop many times in a moderate chop. When I buy a new bow mount, it's going to be 54" shaft length minimum...

My humble .02

[Lundboy14]

I have a 65lb 54in Minnkota that would solve the issue, I may be willing to part with if your interested. 2 yrs old with limited hours.

[Mark Christianson]

Poor biker,

A 42 inch will make you more frustrated than its worth.

Look to 48 or 54 inch.

[Northlander]

I also would go 54". Better to have it too long then jumping in and out of the water all day long.

[gspman]

Go 54" or 60".