Striper/osprey trolling motor shaft question

[bkuhles109]

I have a 1987 striper 200, I was wondering what size shaft I need to get! I was just guessing and I thought I would need the 60inch.

[RickK]

Agreed.

[bkuhles109]

Do you have a 200 ??

[GoneFission]

Here is some info from an older post: 

You will want to go with a removable mount, so you can take it off when you don't need it (also cuts down on theft potential).  I used a sliding mount that allows me to move the motor back 6" or so when I don't need it (keeps it out of the way from bumps and makes the bow clear). 

I like the MotorGuide mount better than the MinnKota because of the ability to slide the motor back and forth.  However, as you might expect, the bolt patterns are different, so you will have to drill new holes if you want to use a MotorGuide mount with a MinnKota motor.  One advantage of MinnKota's mount is that it is available in white, whereas the MotorGuide is not - I had to paint mine to match my boat.  Check it out and see what you think:

MotorGuide mount:  http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog. ... get=browse

MinnKota mount:  http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog. ... get=browse

Also, you will need a motor with a shaft long enough - typically 50" or more.  My 22-2 CCP requires a motor with a 60" shaft.  That really rules out the MotorGuide motors, as they get very heavy with that big stainless steel shaft.  MinnKota has a composite shaft that is lighter and flexes rather than bending.  I went with a MinnKota Riptide 70 PowerDrive Autopilot, with the cordless remote.  The remote allows you to operate the motor from anywhere on the boat using a little key fob remote.  I also have used it to move the boat away from a dock when I stepped off, then move the boat back to the dock when I was ready to get back on the boat.  Robo-boat! 

If you are going to use the motor in salt water, make sure the motor is designed for salt use.  MinnKota motors for salt water are called Riptides; MotorGuides are called Great Whites.  Bass Pro Shops has a nice selection: 

MinnKota:  http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog. ... =CROSSSELL

MotorGuide:  http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog. ... get=browse

Remember that long shaft and a high-power motor combine to make some torque!  Use large stainless backing washers on the underside of the deck.  Also, you will need #4 or #6 wiring from the battery (or batteries for 24 or 36 volt motors) to the trolling motor. 

I will try to post some pictures of the mount and setup, but now it's time to see if I can catch some fish!  You can see the overall boat with the motor on the bow at:  http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery ... 500/page/1

Hope this helps!!

[TooLoose]

I have a 170 osprey and recently installed a 60" MinnKotta 80#.
I wouldn't be able to get away with anything less (thrust or shaft length) on my 170.

[RickK]

TL that boat should almost plane off with 80# on it. 

[TooLoose]

Rickk - It does; somewhere around 3 mph loaded.

I needed the 60" shaft and the 80# Terrova was the smallest unit I could get that was offered with a 60". Getting spoiled now, cant imagine fishing without the spot lock or autopilot functions. Definitely a great investment.

[RickK]

I was on one that was, I 'd bet, pulling every bit of 10mph wide open, maybe more.  That was 2 guys and a live well on the aft. The 170s are pretty light.