What length trolling motor?

[Jeremy airjer W]

I have a 1981 18' Lund Mr. Pike Counsel. I am planning on buying a new bow mount trolling motor soon but am unclear on what length I actually need? Any thoughts would be appreciated!!

[NELS-BELLS]

I don't think you can ever be too long, but you can be too short, especially if you are bouncing in the waves and the trolling motor keeps coming out of the water.

Nels

[BoxMN]

I'd get a 60" but a 54" for that boat would probably work fine, unless you never fish rougher water, or if you will always sit in the bow (thus keeping the front lower with your weight). We have a 60" on our 18' boat and have had it come out of water when fully deployed, on windy Mille Macs days, but that was extreme.

[Northlander]

I would go 60.

[Schloogs]

 Originally Posted By: NELS-BELLS

I don't think you can ever be too long, but you can be too short, especially if you are bouncing in the waves and the trolling motor keeps coming out of the water.

Nels

Agreed, go long.

[bassNspear]

i would go 60 as well!

[Jeremy airjer W]

Thanks for the help!

[Musky_Madness]

60 for sure if you are going Minn Kota, if you go Motor Guide I believe you can get a 64" shaft on the new ones. Correct me if I'm wrong.

[FishGUY]

I have a 18.5ft boat and have a 60" shaft, I would not want to go any shorter. Go long.

[JohnMickish]

I've had a 60" come out of the water with me in the bow of my Pro V. You can't be to long.

[jwhjr]

I just put a 54" on my '81 Alumacraft ©Lunker Classic. It's not a deep V, so it looks as if it should do the job nicely.