How to measure trolling motor shaft length?

Sometimes, the things that seem easy are not that simple. A trolling motor shaft, for that matter, needs to be of the right length to give your ship the much-needed thrust.
Selecting the right trolling motor is essential for your boat. First, the length should ensure that the propellor is well-dipped into the water and there is a considerable thrust generated to pump the engine. Second, the shaft shouldn’t be very long because if that happens, the weeds, rocks, or even the ground in shallow waters can be an obstruction. Therefore, making the right choice is critical because either too long or too short will not be productive for you.

What should be the right trolling motor shaft length?

To know what length fits best for your boat, you will first have to measure the length from the transom on the mounting spot to the waterline. Whatever the measurement is, add a 25″ to it to get your shaft length.

For instance, if the distance from the transom to the waterline is 25″ to 30″, then you need to buy a shaft with a length between 50″ to 55″.

If you get two sizes and you cannot decide on the one that should be the most desired for you, then select the more extended size because there’s always a way out to trim the longer than making any changes to the shorter one. This judgment is adequate for freshwater trolling motors, but if the engine mount trolling motor is for a rough patch of water, then another 5″ can be added.

What are the factors to consider when finding the correct length of the trolling motor?

It’s not always about the boat or the motor. Many more factors can go into selecting the correct length for your shaft. And because you are making a one-time purchase, you better be sure of getting all the points right.

Where are you placing the shaft?

The trolling motor can be installed on the bow, central motor, or rear end. Finding the exact position is critical because the measurements on the bow are not the same for the rear end. Because most often, the shaft length is taken longer if installed on the bow or the central motor than when positioned at the rear end.

What is the tidal capacity of the water?

The type of motors you select is necessary for your actions. For example, kayak trolling motors are well suited for rough, high tidal water. So, here the shaft length should be long enough to hold the waters. At the same time, if it is a low tidal lake or a river, you will suffer any turbulence, for which a short trolling motor will work.

What type of boat is it?

Every type of boat has its requirements. For example, a sailboat or a canoe requires a shorter trolling motor, while a pontoon requires a shaft with a longer length. At the same time, boats with barges need a longer shaft than boats that do not have them. So again, whether it is a bow or a transom will also make a difference. The transom is used for smaller boats as they are cost-effective, whereas the bow is expensive but is used for the more robust boats and canoes.

How much is the thrust?

Thrust lets you know the rate of your trolling motor. Most motors incorporate a 12V motor that consumes 720W. A thumb rule says that the voltage is directly proportional to the thrust. So, the higher the voltage, the higher will be the thrust. Therefore, the larger the boat, the more the thrust. Most motors come in the range of 12V, 24V, and 36V. Hence, when selecting the shaft length, you need to ensure that the length will support the amount of trust.

Here are a few crucial tips to remember:

• Always ensure that the motor is at least 15″ submerged into the water. This will take care of the spooky sounds and not scare the fish away.
• Next, as discussed above, measure the length of the motor region, from the propeller to the head, and add around 25″ more to it to buy the correct shaft length for your vehicle.
• Always pick the longer shaft because a shorter one always has a chance to come off the water when you are in the middle of the sea, and we do not want such disasters.
• Ensure that the gears are well in place and the tank is full because that would give you an approximate idea of your length because the bow will rise accordingly.
• For accurate readings, make sure your boat is in cal water or take readings when there is a low tide and approximately take the readings for a high tide.