54" or 60" Shaft??

[JohnMickish]

I'm going to get a new trolling motor this year and don't know what shaft length to get. My boat is a 1996 Pro V. The motor I want is a 60" AP US but in the next few days I have a chance to get a new V2 54" AP US at a killer price.

So my question is will a 54" be long enough or should I pay full price on a 60"?

[PerchJerker]

Bows ride high on aluminum boats. The 54" would get you by but the 60' would be better for wavey situtions.

[Central Bassman]

I would go with the 60" shaft... You will be happy you did if you fish alot of big water

[Shack]

mnfishinguy,

How much of price differance are we talking? I felt I needed a 60" plus shaft, but could not bring myself to pay that price. I settled for a 54" and have had no issues to speek of. I was scared at first, but satisfied now. I like to fish in heavy waves. You can see images of my boat in Boats/motor thread. Look at water line make on side. The size and weight of my motor makes my bow stick out of water high. Again I have been satisfied with 54". If waves are high, drop her down untill top part of shaft bottoms out on base. Its hard to troll in 2'-3' waves anyways. back troll.

Good luck. Money in pocket, means one or two extra fishing trips this year.

If we are talking $500-$700 for 54" to $1000-$1200 for 60",

I would go with 54"

[10,000 Casts]

I had a 60" on my Crestliner sportfish for 5 years. When it went out on me I was in a similar situation and went with the 54" because it was a good deal. I can't say that I really miss the extra length. However, I think that your bow sits a little higher than mine. The only time that you will need it is in 2 footers.

If you go with the 60", I would buy the ram mount to stabilize the head.

John

[fisherdog19]

60" for sure. You won't want it bouncing out of the water.

[Dahitman44]

The size of the boat will make a difference. If it is only a 16-foot Por V you could get by but if it is a 17 or 18 you need to look at the 60-incher.

When in doubt -- go bigger it is the safest bet.

Good luck.

[Hookmaster]

I have a Lund 1700 Angler SS. Last year I upgraded to a 60 inch shaft, 80# thrust. On Rainy Lake we were fishing the windy side of an island. The 54 inch shaft wouldn't have worked and my buddy and I wouldn't have doubled on 19 inch smallies. The subsequent picture alone was worth the extra $$$. The longer shaft will allow you to fish in rougher conditions.