54 or 60 inch Minnkota

[MTJ]

I'm looking to put a Minnkota bowmount on my 04 Crestliner 1750 Sportfish. I was just wondering if I should go with the 54" or 60". I'm swaying toward the 60" but am unsure. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Todd_NE]

60

60

60

:)

In all seriousness, it's another one of those things that can never be too long... (insert joke of choice)

Todd

[T-Mac]

If you have a 24V system, go with the 60", space permitting. In bigger waves it will be better.
If you have a 12V system only, 60" may not be an option. I believe 54" is the longest available in 12v "power drive" models.

[Shaft]

I've never heard a person say they wished they had a shorter shaft. Get the longest one you can afford.

[Das Boot 3]

Get a 60 with a quick disconnect mount plate and you will never ask for more.

[REW]

There are two sides of the coin.
Yes, bigger is better and the longest is the best of all!!

Having said that - you might actually want the 54 inch unit.

The 54 inch shaft will take care of your needs about 85 - 90 % of the time. i.e. the shaft will be long enough to get your boat going without blowing out of the water.

For the other 10-15% of the time that you might really have the use or desire for a longer shaft to keep the prop in the water - it is so rough, that even if you can keep the prop in the water, the bow mount trolling motor really isn't the effecient way to move the boat in these bigger waves. In this instance, it probably simply makes more sense to start the big motor and work the waves with the bigger motor, with its larger propeller to give better overall boat control.

The other thing that some folks don't mention, is that for the life of the motor, you need to store the extra 6 inches of shaft length. Also for the bulk of you fishing you are probably going to have 2 feet of shaft sticking out above the bow, to obstruct your vision, simply because you don't need any more shaft in the water to control your boat.

As I said - there are two sides to the story. Don't buy a 60 inch shaft to control your boat when the winds are whipping up at 30 mph. The thrust and position of the motor simply won't give you the boat control - if the waves are this bad, and even if the shaft is long enough to stay in the water.

A better aim is to be able to use your trolling motor to take care of your boats moving needs up to about a 15-18 mph winds. This will give you about a 1 1/2 foot chop.

Take care
REW

[eyedoktr]

REW, would this be true for a Lund 1800 Fisherman also? If you recommend a 54 vs a 60, it will save me a couple of $$. The new boat should be at the dealers in about a week and the electric trolling motor is just about the last thing I need to buy (or can afford to buy ). Thank you oh wise one.

[Toolman]

Pete,

IMHO as several have said before "I've never heard anyone say they wished their shaft was shorter"! If you fish in chop/waves-whatever you want to call it-you will want the 60" shaft. If you are using the BM motor while operating from the rear (trolling w/AP) this becomes more evident. When you are fishing from the front deck an extra 200+ pounds in the bow helps keep it in the water! Unless you are fishing over heavy weed beds or in real shallow water, the TM will be deployed all the way down, so you won't have any TM shaft sticking up above the bow. The $20 extra is worth 10 minutes of not hearing Brrrt...Brrrt...Brrrt!

Good luck with your new rig-enjoy!

Tim

[eyedoktr]

Tim, thanks. That makes alot of sense. I guess I'll have to go with the 60", 74#, AP. There goes another $850. Oh yeah, then the disconnect plate. Oh yeah, better get the co-pilot. Ooops, can't forget the batteries.

Heck, I won't be able to afford to put gas in the new boat, I hope it comes with a full tank. LOL

But, it'll be all mine. it's better than having any payments.

[Toolman]

Pete,

It adds up quick, but what the heck-now you have the new truck and new boat-you've got it covered! :) The co-pilot can be added later, if you wish, and it's worth every penny. I'd recomend Universal Sonar for a bow locator (sorry-another $80) but an option thats great for structure fishing from the bow with no TD wires to run up the shaft to the lcd unit. Don't forget the RAM TM mount to stabilize the head about $40. fishing out of your new Lund ...priceless!lol

Tim

[mdsranger]

get the 60" and you'll never regret it. get the 54" and it'll workand it'll work most of the time (up to 2 1/2' waves). when you got the bowmount down in rough water, your going for boat control, hanging on the spot, controlling your drift, working a break line,etc. your not trolling crankbaits, right? this is when you'll be wishing you got the 60". good fishin, mike

[Fishingdog]

Ok, here goes. I just came in from the garage after installing my new 74lb Co-pilot/Autopilot with a 60" shaft on my 1775 Lund Pro-V.

First of all, 6" of length affects nothing in the boat when out because if you mount it correctly, it will lay right over the top of the gunnell. Secondly, I fish from the middle and back and my 10 year old son likes to fish in the bow so if the head is up a foot or two, it will help keep an eye on the direction of the motor.

I had a 48" shaft and that thing was out of the water when the wind was at 15mph. I am sure only 6" more, I might get to 20mph. I fish in every condition possible and although I have a kicker, a transom mount trolling motor and now this bow mount, there shouldn't be a condition I can't control it in.

I say 60 all the way! There is no way I am going to skimp on power or length again...

Like the country song says..."I ain't never had too much fun!"

[rock2me]

I put the 60" shaft MinnKota on my Crestliner Fish Hawk 1750 and it works and fit great. I believe my bow sits a little lower and I would not consider less.

[drh1175]

what about for a 1800 fisherman. is the 54 long enough or would one stick with the 60"

[MTJ]

Thanks for all the input.

I'll have to do some measuring. The only concern I have is with the motor getting in the way of the bow seats when we are pleasure boating. Don't want to take the bow mount off. Never know when you'll need it to get you home.

Thanks again, all the info has been extremely helpful.

[Pitts]

The 1800 fisherman is a deep boat with a high bow I would definately go with the 60" shaft no questions asked.

Mount the troller so when not deployed it lays on top of the gunnel not down the center of the front casting deck.



Pitts

[Nirvana Resort LBDN]

Just picked up a 1700 Angler tiller with a 54 inch Minn Kota . The "Salesman" said go with the 54 you don't need the 60. First time in 2 foot waves I heard brrrt brrt brrt . Should have known better at my age. Just had it changed over to the 60. Should have done that in the first place. As a few others have said , nice to have the length if you need it, if you dont have it , you don't have it!

[KFG]

What did it cost for the conversion to 60"

Thanks!

[flytyer]

I have the 54 on a 16.5 seanymph I rearley have it complety in the water. I opted for the wireless remote and auio pilot and I love it.

[T-Mac]

24v is available in 60" shaft. 12V is not.
Go 24v and 60" if at all possible.