Bow mount trolling motor ahaft length?

[Robob]

I have a 1995 Osprey 175 and am looking for a new or good used bow mount 12 volt Minn-Kota or Motor Guide saltwater trolling motor.

I am not sure what shaft length I need but I think it's 52 inches.

Probably need about 55 pound thrust for flats fishing.

It doesn't look like it will interfere with the low split bow rail.

Thanks in advance for any info or leads on available motors.

Bob on Tampa Bay

[GoneFission]

A 52 or 54 shaft will work on that boat; you need a 60 for a CCP.  More power - better.  A 55-60 is OK and you can run it on 12 volts, but if you got 2 batteries, go up to a 24 volt motor at 70-80 lbs thrust and you will be happier.  

Don't forget a quick-disconnect plate/mount so you can take it off when you want.  

MotorGuide or Minn Kota?  That's always the question.  I've had both and I prefer the Minn Kota.  Especially the salt water Riptide vs. the Great White.  If you are not going to use a tiller handle, get one with a wireless remote instead of a foot control.  

Good luck!

[Robob]

Thanks for the good advice.

My typo, should have been shaft not ahaft.

I kind of favor the Minn-Kota Riptide myself. I had one on another boat and it was really good quality and very dependable.

Note to webmaster: I opted to be notified when a reply was posted but was not notified of GoneFission's answer:-(

[MarshMarlowe196]

As John mentioned, the 52" or 54" Shaft should work.  x2 on the thrust as well.  A good rule of thumb formula is to measure the distance between the troll motor mounting point on your bow and the waterline, then add 20" to that number, that's approx your length needed.  If that doesn't match what's available, round up to the nearest length available.  If you're going with hand control, go longer.

I'm also a fan of the Riptide series.  I have one on my Aqua, and it's had at least 2 previous owners before me.  I'm not sure how old it is, but its at least 8 years old and still works fine. A lot of folks seem to prefer the hand control or remote control, and I've heard good things about the IPilot upgrade for the Minn Kota as well.

Me personally- I'm a fan of foot control.  Once you master a foot control, it becomes second nature and gives you full 360° of control that's harder to achieve with a hand control, though there are some hand controls that multiply your hand input x3 so the motor turns x3 more than your hand control.

I like the foot control over a hand control or remote because I don't have to take my hands off my fishing rod to control the boat.  Just my personal preference.

[Capt Matt]

Go with a Minn Kota 24V with the longest shaft available (62 inches if I remember right),  I have had both Minn-Kota and motorguides. The heads on the motorguides always vibrated loose after 6 months or more. I did prefer the motorguide 3 blade design, it operates in a little shallower water and was quieter but the minn kota seems just about bulletproof.
Capt Matt

[Circle Hooked]

Anyone heard of the Prowler yet http://www.basspro.com/Brand-Prowler/Bo ... 1d5u#Brand

Prices are nice but are they any good  

[Robob]

Webmaster: Still not being notified of replies.

Thanks for all of the input.

http://www.watersnakeusa.com/

Here's a site for one I saw advertised in Florida Sportsman.

Don't know anything about them except that they are made in Australia.

[slvrlng]

Robob, the reply feature is turned off as it was sending out erroneous messages.

[Robob]

Thanks.

I didn't know that.

Will check this site at least daily for possible replies:-)

[RickK]

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