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  1. #1
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    45” or 52” Ultrex on ZX225

    I’m running a 52” fortex 112 now, and will be making that dive into Ultrex land before the end of summer. I’ve seen several posts about guys saying the 45” ultrex actually seems to be a little over, maybe closer to 48”, but wondered what the rest of the bug guys are doing. Any of you guys go from the 52” fortrex to a 45” Ultrex? If the 45 is a little over is the 52? I can’t handle any more motor now. I surely don’t need 55-56” of Ultrex. Thanks guys!
    Jon Helmer Sulphur, La
    2020 Basscat Cougar 250 SHO

  2. Member
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    Mar 2006
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    Houston
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    #2
    If you fish primarily shallow, then the 45" should work for you. If you spend much time in open water (especially when windy), then you will want the 52". Most people I know (including myself) that had a 52" Fortrex went with 52" Ultrex. Sorry, but I can't answer the part of your question regarding 45" Ultrex shaft being slightly longer.

  3. Member
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    #3
    Thanks man. That’s the kind of answers I’m looking for. At 2500 a pop, I only want to make one purchase, just want all the necessary info to make sure I spend my money right.
    Jon Helmer Sulphur, La
    2020 Basscat Cougar 250 SHO

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    #4
    As I said, if you fish shallow most of the time, you may find the 52" (with shaft raised) to be in your way. Conversely, if you want to be able to fish "offshore" in windy conditions, I think you will find the 52" much more appealing. Tough call, but as I said, I went with 52" and don't regret. As a matter of fact, I am moving into a 2018 FX21 in the next couple of months and I will go with the 52" again. Good luck.

  5. Member
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    #5
    I run a 45 and fish big water all the time. Never had an issue with my Fortrex so don't think there will be any issues with the Ultrex.

  6. Member
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    #6
    I run a 45 on my ZX200. Was pretty rough out there today and no problems. I like the 45 because I can just lower the shaft all the way down and not worry about it
    2021 Skeeter ZX225
    2021 Yamaha SHO 225 VF225LA

  7. Member Meleagris1's Avatar
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    May 2010
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    #7
    The guys who get the 52 generally know they need the 52 - if you are wondering then you probably don't "need" it. On my 20i there was no way I could fish big water without it - that longer shaft was one of the best upgrades I made to that boat. Other factors to consider - how much tackle you carry and angler weight both of which definitely have an effect on how high or low the bow sits and hence how long a shaft you will need.
    ________________________________________________
    2024 Phoenix 21 XE - Mercury 250 PRO XS Serial #3B429919
    2017 Phoenix PHX 21 - Yamaha 250 SHO
    2010 Skeeter 20i - Yamaha 250 SHO
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  8. Member
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    #8
    45" Ultrex on my ZX250. I went from a 52" Fortrex. No problems at all and I fish off shore for smallmouth all summer.

  9. Member ifishinxs's Avatar
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    Jul 2015
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    Southern Utah
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    #9
    I’m going 52 from the 45. Wind and Wake boats get my 45 out of the water.
    2024 Phoenix 818, Mercury 175 (3B414035) Trick Steps, 3 Garmin 106 SV,s, LVS 34. BoatEFX dual bow mount. Ionic 12V 125AH, 2 12V 100 ah LiTime’s for the TM. Minn Kota 345 PCL charger,

  10. Member
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    Nov 2011
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    San Antonio, TX
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    #10
    52, I was spot locked yesterday in 20+ winds and taking a few over the bow, I have a 52 on a new zx225, wouldn’t dare have a shorter shaft

  11. Member
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    Dellwood, MN
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    #11
    I went from 52 to 45 and like the 45 better.

  12. Member Kzaker's Avatar
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    Apr 2017
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    WNY Niagara Falls
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    #12
    45” trolling motor in Lake Erie isn’t a good fit on a 20’ bassboat. just depends on your water. I have the 52 ultrex and have had the prop pop partially out of the water on a fairly mild day so and I never fish shallow enough that the length would make a bit of difference so for what it’s worth- get what you think you’ll need.

  13. Member
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    Kentucky
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    #13
    I put a 52 on my 17 fx 20 and kinda wish I'd went 45. Even with being on ky lake. We ledge fish all summer and it can get nasty. During spawn season you will have to pull the motor way up and it kinda gets in the way. Just my 2 cents. Either way you'll love it. Best money spent on a boat for me in 10 years.

  14. Member
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    Woodstock, GA
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    #14
    It's almost an even split now but the 45" still seems to be the most popular model we sell. I run the 112/45" on my FX21 and have been in constant 15-20mph winds down in Florida where there is no cover and never had an issue. I've pointed my boat in to the wind and stood on the back deck fishing wind blown points and never had the motor come out of the water. If you tried this with 2 fisherman, you would probably need the 52". If you fish large bodies of water consistently the 52" would be the way to go. Lake Lanier on a weekend would be a good example. A 45" would be breaking water quite often.

    So it really depends on the type of fishing you do and if you're tournament guy. Most of them stay out no matter what the conditions are. If you're like me and pick and choose the days you want to fish, then a 45" will get the job done.

    Brian

  15. Member Texas Larry's Avatar
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    Aug 2009
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    Irving, TX
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    #15
    I put the 52" on my ZX200, and I think I would have been just fine with the 45" shaft. If it really becomes an issue, I might just get John Jones to shorten it a little - if that can be done reasonably. By the way, I bought it from BBG Marine, Brian will treat you right!!

  16. Member Ryan's Avatar
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    Nov 2006
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    Louisville,KY
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    #16
    I run a 45" on my zx250. I Love it.

  17. Member
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    Apr 2008
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    South/Central Texas
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    #17
    I've got a 52" on my FX21 and fished Falcon this past weekend in 16-22mph winds and my motor came out of the water a lot since both my partner and I were fishing off the back deck. No way a 45" would have worked. When I tried to fish off the front deck waves would crash over it, and I couldnt cast 50' into that wind.

  18. Member
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    Sep 2015
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    Texas
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    #18
    I have the 45” on my ZX200. It has been a perfect balance. It is a little longer (a little over 3 inches) than my old 45” Fortrex that I took off.

  19. Member
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    Apr 2016
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    Texas
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    #19
    Glad to see the positive feedback on the 45". I have one on it's way. I opted for 45 on the recomendation of a couple guides on my home Lake Fork. Going on my 16 ZX250.

  20. Member
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    Feb 2008
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    Sulphur, Louisiana
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    #20
    After reading and talking to guys, I decided that since I had the 52” fortrex that I’d just stay 52 on the Ultrex. Only had it in the water a couple of times, but very happy with the final decision.
    Jon Helmer Sulphur, La
    2020 Basscat Cougar 250 SHO

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