170 trolling motor shaft lenght

[alandry100]

Wondering if anyone has had experience with a 54" shaft on a 170. I know the consensus is that a 60" shaft is best .. but if someone were to find a good deal on a shorter one is it ok?

[CTsalt12]

Yeah I’ve got one.  It’s fine.  On rough days if you’ve got a 2 ft chop while using spot lock
It will come out of the water, yes.  It’s not prohibitive or a deal breaker IMO.  Did you post this question on a Facebook group too?

[alandry100]

Thanks for the info - I did not post on facebook - but ... there is an Aquasport facebook group?

[Capt. Bob]

Thanks for the info - I did not post on facebook - but ... there is an Aquasport facebook group?

Not associated with this Forum.

There is one for the Boat Club site.

[boatnamesue]

Wondering if anyone has had experience with a 54" shaft on a 170. I know the consensus is that a 60" shaft is best .. but if someone were to find a good deal on a shorter one is it ok?

I have minn Kota 52” on my ‘76 170, mounted on 1/2” blocks.....plenty of shaft, including rough seas.  A 60” shaft on a 170 would stretch nearly have the length of hull and hang way over the rail when stowed....way too much shaft.  The 22-2’s mount the 60”.   

[alandry100]

Wondering if anyone has had experience with a 54" shaft on a 170. I know the consensus is that a 60" shaft is best .. but if someone were to find a good deal on a shorter one is it ok?

I have minn Kota 52” on my ‘76 170, mounted on 1/2” blocks.....plenty of shaft, including rough seas.  A 60” shaft on a 170 would stretch nearly have the length of hull and hang way over the rail when stowed....way too much shaft.  The 22-2’s mount the 60”.   

Thanks - Is that a 12 or 24V model. I am wondering - for storage reasons. I need to keep 4 type I PFD's aboard so space is limited.

[TooLoose]

I'd suggest a 24volt. I have a 60" shaft and it does come in handy if fishing off the beach or around passes where the waves could kick up a bit. I wouldn't go back to a 54", but would certainly be fine if fishing flats only.

[RickK]

X2 on a 60"

[boatnamesue]

Wondering if anyone has had experience with a 54" shaft on a 170. I know the consensus is that a 60" shaft is best .. but if someone were to find a good deal on a shorter one is it ok?

I have minn Kota 52” on my ‘76 170, mounted on 1/2” blocks.....plenty of shaft, including rough seas.  A 60” shaft on a 170 would stretch nearly have the length of hull and hang way over the rail when stowed....way too much shaft.  The 22-2’s mount the 60”.   

Thanks - Is that a 12 or 24V model. I am wondering - for storage reasons. I need to keep 4 type I PFD's aboard so space is limited.

24v....unless you run numerous accessories that pull big amps like a stereo, you’ll only need 3 12v batteries.  Isolate your cranking battery of course, then run accessories off 1 of the 2 12v.  Recharge same 2 batteries during storage.