trolling motor shaft question

[Blake0912]

I was just wondering when they say a 45in shaft on a trolling motor does that mean from the bottom of the skag to the top of the motor or the actual shaft between the motor head and lower unit. I'm looking to buy a bow mount trolling motor for my fishing ski and i like the 45lbs 45in shaft Minn Kota edge motor for $250 but not sure if it will be to short or not...the next step up is a 55lbs thrust 52in shaft Minn Kota edge and thats $500ish. Its 27inches from the top of my bow to the trailer.

any insight will help..
thank you

 

[Silvertip]

Re: trolling motor shaft question

Measuring from the top of the bow to the trailer is not a good measurement. You need to make that measurement with the boat in the water (bow to waterline). You then add one foot to that measurement for shaft length.