TROLLER SHAFT LENGTH

[THE WITCHDOCTOR]

What shaft length are most of you guys running? I notice the bow of these boats sets up out of the water, just don't want to get the wrong one...

[bigGUNS04]

I got a 52" and really wish I had got a 42" or 45"....with the longer shaft I can't put my seat in up front unless I remove it and lay it down on the floor when I go take a run.

[low slung cruiser]

45" is perfect...me and my dad basically have matching boats...
mines a 2003 OUTLAW....42" shaft
his is a 2002 INTIMIDATOR 2000....45" shaft

Mine works great, but i almost always leave it all the way down...
His we leave about 4" from the bottom, so if we needed to, we could go lower...

[JAZII]

45" Motor Guide. If the waves you are fishing are big enough to lift the T-motor prop out of the water you will have wet feet.

They do not sit as high in the front as you think.

JAZII

[THE WITCHDOCTOR]

Thanks guys! 45" it is....

[Matt Mc]

I got a 52 and I use basketballs in the jack to lift the stern while fishing!

[bigGUNS04]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Matt Mc &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">I got a 52 and I use basketballs in the jack to lift the stern while fishing!
</td></tr></table>

whats the benefit to that? also do you have pics?

[JAZII]

Just a few things to consider if you do use a 50" or larger t-motor shaft.

In the stowed position the t-motor head will inhibit your access to the front storage compartment.
It will also be very close to having to take the front pedistal seat post out in the stowed position.

Like I said if yopu need more than the 45" shaft for fishing into the waves, you will have wet feet and water flowing over the bow.

Basketballs in the jack plate: for extra stern floatation and holeshot.

JAZII

[Matt Mc]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by JAZII &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Just a few things to consider if you do use a 50" or larger t-motor shaft.

In the stowed position the t-motor head will inhibit your access to the front storage compartment.
It will also be very close to having to take the front pedistal seat post out in the stowed position.

Basketballs in the jack plate: for extra stern floatation and holeshot.

JAZII</td></tr></table>

no issue with seat pedestal for me. But it does interfer with the front storage compartment. But I wouldn't need in there with the tm in the stowed position anyway. But then again I dont even use it anyway.

[JAZII]

Well, I guess you never have to get tackle out of there while the boat is on the trailer then.

Also some seat pedistal holes are farther forward than others.

JAZII

[bigGUNS04]

I wish I would have known to get the 45" instead of the 52"


not to hijack the thread, but is there ANYway to reduce the length of the shaft? I called minn kota and they said there wasn't any way, but I could have sworn I read about people modify shaft length.

[JAZII]

Replace the shaft with a shorter one.

See Jones' T- motor service in the other forum.

JAZII

[Matt Mc]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by bigGUNS04 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">I wish I would have known to get the 45" instead of the 52"


not to hijack the thread, but is there ANYway to reduce the length of the shaft? I called minn kota and they said there wasn't any way, but I could have sworn I read about people modify shaft length. </td></tr></table>


All you have to do is get a quick release bracket! Mount it where you need it and allow clearance for the t/m. Then the T/M mounts to the bracket! This will give you the clearance you need for the seat pedestal and you won't have to tear your T/M apart. Then you can remove your troller anytime you getready in seconds.

[bigGUNS04]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Matt Mc &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">


All you have to do is get a quick release bracket! Mount it where you need it and allow clearance for the t/m. Then the T/M mounts to the bracket! This will give you the clearance you need for the seat pedestal and you won't have to tear your T/M apart. Then you can remove your troller anytime you getready in seconds.


</td></tr></table>


sweet, and where do you get a quick release?

[Matt Mc]

Bass pro, cabbalas, any dealership that sells the brand you use should be able to get you one.

I like minnkotas so that's what I always put on my rides. I put a quick release on mine. It's also lockable.

[bigGUNS04]

very helpful, thanks! looks like I will have a seat up front again!

[Matt Mc]

I slide it nearly off so you can see what it looks like and how it works.

[Matt Mc]

They make several different types for minnkota's I chose the black aluminum one its prolly a little heavier but I just feel better with it.

Its a MKA 52/62.

http://www.minnkotamotors.com/....aspx

[Matt Mc]

I am pretty sure I had to re mount the lights also.