See full version: Determining the Right Pontoon Trolling Motor Shaft Length
If this is your first time buying a trolling motor, I’d recommend that you don’t cut any corners and settle for a subpar motor. A cheap trolling motor will either be too weak or noisy, and it will almost certainly be working against you throughout your fishing trip.
The two most common places to mount your trolling motor are at the bow or in the rear. Motors mounted on the bow need to haves slightly longer shaft since the bow is typically one of the highest points of the pontoon.
Generally speaking, the average shaft length for a trolling motor is around 60”, or 152cm, if you intend on mounting the motor on the bow of your boat. While this is a good rule of thumb, there are other things to consider when determining this length. more
For example, say your pontoon weighs 2,200 pounds. When you divide that by 100, you’re left with 22. Then you times 22 by 2 and you get 44. This means that a boat with at least 44 pounds of thrust will work the best for your pontoon. more
To measure the shaft, you’re going to need to start at the bottom of the head and measure down to the start of the propeller housing. You’ll be happy to know that most trolling motors advertise the length of the shaft. Still, being able to measure the length of the shaft can be helpful. You may want to buy a second-hand motor, after all.
Where you’ll spend more of your time cruising will also help you determine how long your shaft should be. Rivers, shallow lakes, and bodies of water that don’t experience a lot of waves can use a shorter shaft. Large bodies of water, like bays and big lakes, need a long shaft length. here
If you do, you can end up with an engine that is too weak to do anything – or an engine too heavy for your boat. You may end up with a trolling engine too short of submerging, or a motor that drags along the seabed. here
While there are some adjustable shafts, it is good to know the correct length before buying one. You can check the charts online to know your boat’s correct shaft length.
Thrust is measured by lbs. The right amount will depend on some things for your boat, but weight is the biggest factor. The thumb rule is every 100 lbs. You need 2 lbs of the thrust of boat weight. [links]
If you plan on a long fishing trip, you might want to have a powerful engine. You don’t need extra power, but it is important to have extra battery life. You will have enough to cruise for days with three batteries in use. [links]
You still have to start measuring at the top of the transom, but you only have to step to the waterline. This measurement will vary according to weight, sea conditions, and boat type. In this measurement, add 10 “below the water to the recommended minimum shaft length. To make it more comfortable, add 12” to the waterline measurement. If the length is equal to or in between sizes, move into the longer length.
If you’re looking for a Jon boat trolling motor from a well-known manufacturer at a reasonable price, make sure you consider this one. Anglers love how long it lasts and how sturdily it is built. [links]
What we don’t like
If you want an amazing trolling motor for your Jon boat and you’re willing to make an investment this is a superb option for you. Just choose the shaft length that will work best for your boat and get out on the water soon! more
The Haswing is very quiet, so you’ll never have to worry about startling the fish away from your line. It also offers a variety of speeds so you can save power by only using what you absolutely need. When the winds or the currents pick up, though, this motor can keep up with them. more
If you’re still not sure, you can contact your local marine shop. They should help you determine what size trolling motor would be best for you.
Another notable thing for you is easier installation. Beginner-friendly installation is always preferable to kayakers. Thus, choose a mounting kit that makes installation easier for you. [links]
NUS is a kayaking enthusiast who has been kayaking with a local group for the last five years. He loves using kayaks while out on outings on the water or camping when the friends want to have a BBQ party somewhere on the bank of a local lake.
Understanding the size of trolling motor for a kayak is imperative for any kayaking enthusiast. more
The size of the trolling motor depends on several factors such as your personal preference and the type of boat you are using. If you are planning on getting an electric trolling motor, then make sure to check out our guides on how to choose and use them properly! more
42″ is the standard shaft length and it’s best to measure the distance from where the shaft is mounted on the deck or transom to the water. The next closest measurement is 16″ for MotorGuide or 20″ for Minn Kota.
Also, as others have mentioned, with the 36 Volt battery bank, I can use my troller all day and still have at least 1/3 battery power left over. here
I have the Riptide Ulterra 112# thrust with the 60” shaft on my 21’ FSH. If the the waves are bigger I run it down fully to help keep the prop in the water, but most of the time not all the way down. more
Those that would trade freedom and liberty for temporary safety deserve neither
Benjamin Franklin [links]
If you have a Humminbird Helix or Solix control head, the riptide Ulterra can be controlled with the control head and with a lake master map chip the troller can perform other navigational feats via the control head, such as contour follow. Pretty awesome set up. here
FWIW - I have the following batteries dedicated to the trolling motor, and they have a shore powered charger installed in the engine bay. The batteries are located under the right jump seat (to balance the cranking and house batteries on the left side on the boat). For my needs, the batteries have plenty of reserve power after a day on the water.