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Posts: 117
| Pretty sure I'm going to replace my current TM with a Terrova this spring, and I'm looking for advice on the best shaft length. I spend about equal time fishing very shallow weedbeds as I do fishing deep water sunken islands and reefs. This is going on a Lund Mr Pike 17. Current TM is a +/- 42" shaft Motorguide--it's fine for the shallow stuff, but when I'm in the big lake and there's any waves it comes out of the water fairly frequently. I think I would benefit from an additional 6 inches or a foot of length...unfortunately the motor I'm looking for is only available in 45" or 60" shaft lengths. I can lower the motor in deeper water, but that wont work in the shallows. I have a small enough front deck already, with gunwales that are higher than I'd like for fishing shallow, so I do NOT want a trolling motor sticking up an additional 15" and getting in the way of my already somewhat cramped bow casting area.
Anyone have a rig like this? If so, any thoughts on shaft length?
I suppose I could get the 54" length which is only available without ipilot, and then add the ipilot later...but that'll cost me approximately $200 extra. Can I just hacksaw off the shaft of a 60"? |
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Posts: 742
Location: Grand Rapids MN | Is your current TM a cable steer or power head style? Just curious as I went from a cable steer to my Terrova, which I love, but really prefer the maneuverability/feel of cable steer in shallow water. Just something to think about if you haven't already.
I have a 60" on a Tracker Targa and I have it lowered all of the way most of the time and I don't worry to much unless I'm extremely shallow. I've still had the prop hitting the surface in decent waves so I would recommend the extra length.
Good luck man. |
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Posts: 117
| Current TM is a cable steer. I do like the immediate and tactile response, but I'm told I'll get used to the motor-driven footpedal--I do need to keep a footpedal with the ipilot though, hence a terrova rather than a powerdrive. But, I do a lot of bass fishing in the summer, and I spend a lot of time in 18" of water, so the times when I cant just lower the TM are the same times when I want to pitch underhanded and I'm worried the TM will get in the way. Anyone know if I can shorten one of them myself? |
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Posts: 1091
Location: Hayward, WI | Go with 60". |
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Posts: 742
Location: Grand Rapids MN | As far as shortening the length I would say ask Minnkota; haven't heard of anyone doing it. I would say if you get a chance try one out first. Maybe I don't use my pedal enough but it's still not quite the same for me yet. My daughter got a bass crank stuck on a stick just under the surface in a few feet of water. I worked my way in with a slight tail wind and I struggled to get that fine positioning to grab the bait. A lot of over compensation and adjustment to keep it out of arms reach.
Not trying to scare you away just saying it's not the same; close but not quite. I don't spend much time at all in that shallow water so there were many more benefits to go with the Terrova versus a cable. |
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Posts: 89
| I just talked to a rep at the Northwest sports show this weekend on this exact issue, he said bring it to a service center to have the shaft cut down. I don't think it would be to hard to do yourself just find a Schematic of the motor. I would get the 60 and try it first then go from there |
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Posts: 299
Location: Not where I want to be! | Take it to your local MK service center. I had my 60" shortened to 52", cost me about $40.00. This will keep your warranty intact! Well worth the minor cost. |
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Posts: 151
Location: Chippewa Falls, WI | I just ordered the 60" and they are cutting it down to 48" for my bass boat. warranty still good! Could only get the 60" for the 101 with i link...having it done by local dealer.
adubs |
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Posts: 2097
| You can raise the collar on it so it will go down however far want. |
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Posts: 265
Location: Hudson,WI | As much as you don't want the 60" shaft, you'll be glad you have it when you're on the big water. |
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Posts: 1663
Location: Kodiak, AK | Macintosh - 3/25/2013 4:11 PM
Anyone know if I can shorten one of them myself?
Yes, you can. The head comes off with one nut/bolt and the wiring connections are simple. Just have to redrill the hole that hold the head on and be careful to not cut through wires in the shaft. That said, if a dealer can do it for less than $50 or so and preserve the warrantee...I'd preserve the warrantee. |
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Posts: 292
| 54" would be your proper |
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Posts: 897
| adubs - 3/25/2013 6:36 PM
I just ordered the 60" and they are cutting it down to 48" for my bass boat. warranty still good! Could only get the 60" for the 101 with i link...having it done by local dealer.
adubs
I'd reconsider unless you're only fishing calm water days. I have a 54" shaft on my bass boat and I've had it come out of the water on occasion on rough days. The 45" trolling motor that was on it when I bought it spent more time out of the water than in. You can always raise it up if need be. |
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