Trolling Motor Shaft Length for Semi V hull?

[srr5008]

I am looking to buy a new trolling motor for my 1995 16' Bass Tracker Pro 16. It currently has a 36# MotorGuide with a 36" shaft. I made the mistake of gutting the boat before doing my homework on trolling motors, so I was unaware of the method of measuring down from the bow to the water surface to get a shaft length. There is a watermark about 12" down, but I don't know how accurate that is. The boat was full of rotten wood and water-logged foam, so I imagine it will float a little higher when I finish putting it back together.

Does anyone have a similar sized semi v hull that could offer some input? I never had any problems with the current motor, but I also never fished in rough water with this boat. I'm trying to avoid having a motor that hangs down too far in the water, or having the head stick too far up above the deck.

 

[Win1660T]

Re: Trolling Motor Shaft Length for Semi V hull?

On windy choppy days you will be glad you went with anything longer than 36". I got a 52 hand control for my Winner 1660. On the choppiest days when it is at it's lowest position I can still grab the handle without stooping over or reaching, which is a good thing in those types of conditions.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trolling Motor Shaft Length for Semi V hull?

Distance from bow to waterline is only part of the measurement. You need to add at least 12 inches to that dimension to get the motor deep enough that it won't break the surface on even the roughest water.