Advice on TM Shaft length

[ahalls]

Hi. recently bought a 2006 Smokercraft Promag 161 and need to replace the bow mount TM. Winter is just ending here in Canada and havent had it in the water yet. It came with an old Minn Kota with a 45" shaft. Previous owner said he might go a little longer next time. Looking at a Motorguide xi5 and had understood they had either a 45 or a 54' length. My local dealer thought they had a 48" one too. Was thinking of sticking with a 12 volt unit- 55 pounds. The boat is 16 1/2 ft, weighs around 900 pounds - capacity is another 1300 lbs. Not too deep. Any advice from folks familiar with these boats? Thanks!

 

[GA_Boater]

Is the current TM working?

I would try the current 45" TM on the water while doing some fishing. If the prop stays under the water in the conditions you encounter, then the 45" length is good for a new TM. If the prop is popping in and out of the water and the motor is as low as it can be adjusted, then look at moving up to a longer shaft

 

[ahalls]

No its not working. I may just opt for a 48 ( if avail) or even a 54"....

 

[fishrdan]

Previous owner said he might go a little longer next time.

Probably due to the TM sucking air while in choppy water. I'd go with the 54" as 48" isn't much over what you have now. You can always raise the TM if needed, and from time to time I will raise my 60" TM if running in skinny water. If you get out in snotty conditions, you'll thank yourself for the longer TM.

I'm partial to MinnKota, but it sounds like that 55# MG xi5 should do the trick on your boat.

 

[Silvertip]

I've owned a number of boats in the 16 - 17 foot range, all with 55# Minnkota Power Drives and they worked well. All had 54 inch shafts. The answer as to how to determine shaft length is always the same: Float the boat, measure from the surface where the motor will be mounted to the water and add one foot.

 

[GA_Boater]

One thing for sure, you can raise and lower a longer shaft TM, but you can't stretch a shorter shaft TM.

Go with the 54", ahalls.

 

[ahalls]

Thanks for the advice everyone...ordered a 55 pd, 54" xi5...think it will be great!!