Trolling motor shaft length.

[Ranger62]

I have a 2001 518vx with a 45" shaft Maxxum trolling motor. Looking at a great deal on a used Fortrex with a 52" shaft would it be too long should I stick with 45"?

[Whiteboat]

For that boat, stick with the 45".

[jimsch]

It would work but if you have a cover, you might have problems.

[Fishfreq]

I have a 2001 518vx with a 45" shaft Maxxum trolling motor. Looking at a great deal on a used Fortrex with a 52" shaft would it be too long should I stick with 45"?

It would 'work', and if you said you were fishing the great lakes in high waves you might be able to use that length. Otherwise, if you're a shallow water relatively flat water fisherman, it will stick up noticeably higher and might pose an annoyance if you're also one that likes casting sidearm or underhand over the t/m - you WILL whack that sucker! If you're the latter, be patient, a 45" Fortrex will come along very soon, everyone's upgrading to Ultrex...

[squib]

I went with the 52 on my 518. I would not want it any shorter. I fish off shore in wind. I want the prop to stay hooked up.