Minnkota Maxxum Trolling Motor mounting position

I have been working on a john boat project this winter so I have something to fish farm ponds and quarrys with the kids. The kids love the Champ but they also like to catch bluegills and the ponds around here offer alot more action for them. I bought a Minnkota Maxxum bow mount trolling motor and I am mounting it right now. How much clearance do you leave between the trolling motor shaft and the bow of the boat when it is deployed down ready to use? The best place I have to mount it only leaves about and inch of clearance and I am not sure if this is enough or not. Any thoughts. Thanks.