1700 fisherman

[mpr]

For the front Minn Kotta trolling motor on a 1700 fisherman should the shaft be the 54" or the 60 " model?
Thanks

[Fisher]

I recently bought a 1700 and have a 48" shaft on my Auto Pilot model. I'd like to say for a fact that it's great, but I'm not sure yet because I won't know until ice out. My dealer assured me that the 48" model will work fine.
Fisher

[Smitty]

I can't say on the 1700, but my 1800 Fisherman DEFINETELY needs a 60" shaft. I've got a 54" and it still pops out in what I'd consider a mild chop. If it were me, I'd get a 60". Size does matter.. :-)

[John]

I have the 54" shaft on my 1700. It works fine, but if I was going to do it again, I would probably go with the 60"

[woodchuck]

I had a 54" shaft on a twelve volt that I moved from another boat. Did pretty good but would pop out sometimes in chop. Went with a 60" this time. Fisher, talk with your boat dealer about swapping you out if the 48" doesn't work. On a calm day it will do fine, but I think without too much of a wave you might be "short". Also the 1700 fisherman is so stable that I think you tend to fish in a little more chop.

[work2fish]

When I bought my boat last year, folks on this board recommended that I get a 60" shaft and I'm glad I did. I have a 60" 65AP and, even with a big guy like me on the bow, there are still times it pops out. I would recommend that you get the 60" for sure.

Regards,
work2fish

[BobH]

I bought a 1700 Lund Fisherman this summer and I was advised to get the 60" shaft on my Minkota 65AP. I'm sure glad I did because with a bit of chop it almost comes out of the water.

I was concerned at first as the auto pilot seemed to go crazy when I was in choppy water but I think it was just when the prop came out of the water. Does any one else have this problem and if so is this normal that the auto pilot goes nuts when it skips out of the water? When I lowered the prop it seemed to help however I did not have the chance to test it long enough.

Bobh

[Woodchuck]

I've run into this many times and don't think it has anything to do with the prop coming out of the water. I think the autopilot goes crazy because the movement is too unstable for the compass card. If the compass card starts bouncing around too much it can't lock on and so the auto pilot function goes nuts.

[work2fish]

Oops, I should have mentioned that my boat is also a 1700 Fisherman...

work2fish

[Fisher]

I phoned Lund Boats and spoke with a customer support person. I was told that Lund states a minimum lenghth recommended for the trolling motor shaft is 52 inches. Since my dealer told me 48" would be fine I phoned my dealer and explained what Lund said. My dealer told me to pop it off and bring it in and we'll give you a 54" model. I did and they did. Thanks for the question and the information. I don't think my dealer would have been as accommodating if I would have used the 48 incher for a couple of months this spring and then called and complained.

Thanks
Fisher

[Atomic Eye]

I've got a 2002 1675 Lund ProSport and got the 54" shaft based on how I had to fish with my old tri-hull. This new boat is so stable that I fish in waters that used to give me safety concerns. I now wished I had gotten the 60" shaft because the 54" will cavitate in some of the whitecaps I currently can fish in.

Oh yeah, check Cabela's Bargain Cave. I got my reconditioned MK65AP last year for only $499 like a lot of guys on WC.

Atomic Eye (New Mexico) -- "Gone Fission!" ~~~<}}}:>

[Poke-Eye]

mpr,
If the extra length when stowed is not a problem, I would definatly go with the 60". When deployed in smooth water lock it in position 6",8" or even 10" high. I've found it easier to glance at now and again when it is up a little bit. If I don't keep an eye on it, the power cord ends up looking like a coiled up rattle snake ready to strike. Helps to keep it from bumping the rocks also.
When you have a buddy thats a 280# gorilla that goes by the nickname of "Slim" fishing on the front deck, it will be easier to see the compass head. When the chop gets a little rougher lower it all the way.
My point is you'll always have it when you need it for a little extra $$$ now.

[Indiguise]

I hate to say this, but the 48" shaft will not work fine on the new 1700 Fisherman boats. It will work "ok" when it is dead calm, but with any kind of wave action, it will come out of the water.
54" is better.
60" is better.
I say this from experience, not from guesswork.