How long of a shaft do you need on a trolling motor for a pontoon boat?
55″
Most pontoon boats could really even get away with a 48″ shaft, but it is certainly better to go a little longer than you need. 55″ and 60″ trolling motor shafts are the most common for pontoon boats.
What size trolling motor do I need for pontoon boat?
So a typical 22′ pontoon boat loaded with gas and gear and a couple people will be around 3,000 pounds, which after the formula would mean you need a 60-pound thrust trolling motor.
Does shaft length matter on trolling motor?
Choosing the correct trolling motor shaft length is important so that the angler’s electric motor does not cavitate, creating fish-spooking noise. The rule of thumb is that the top of the motor section should be submerged 12″.
How do you measure the shaft length on a pontoon boat?
Measure from top of transom, where motor will sit, to bottom of pontoon. That measurement should be same on engine from inside of engine transom mount to cavitation plate (horizontal plate above gear case) on whatever outboard you choose. 90 percent of pontoon boats use a 20 inch shaft, like bass boats.
How do you measure a shaft on a trolling motor?
Measure down from the mounting surface of the transom or bow to the water level. Add 5″ to waterline measurement for fishing in rough water. Add 12″ to waterline measurement for steering a hand control motor while standing. Use this measurement and the tables below to find the appropriate trolling motor shaft length.
Can a trolling motor shaft be too long?
A trolling motor shaft can be too long. If the trolling motor shaft is too long, you risk the propeller hitting bottom or the inability to stow the motor properly. Too long of a shaft can not only damage the propeller but also the rest of the motor and the environment beneath the water as well.
How do I measure trolling motor shaft length?
The shaft length on a trolling motor is measured from the base of the motor head down the the top of the motor compartment.
What happens if your outboard shaft is too long?
If you went too long it would still work but it may lack in performance. You will also risk hitting bottom or submerge objects more frequently such as rocks or logs.
How much length does the motor add to a pontoon boat?
around 2-3′
As I mentioned above, the outboard engine will add around 2-3′ to the overall length of the boat.
What size trolling motor do I need for a pontoon boat?
However, pontoon boats generally utilize a shaft length of no less than 55 inches for a trolling motor. Because of its higher deck, you should add 20 inches to the waterline measurement you have taken for an appropriate shaft length.
How long should a trolling motor shaft be?
Generally speaking, the average shaft length for a trolling motor is around 60”, or 152cm, if you intend on mounting the motor on the bow of your boat. While this is a good rule of thumb, there are other things to consider when determining this length.
Can you put a trolling motor on the bow of a boat?
If you decide to place the trolling motor on the bow, you’ll require a long shaft length, the reason being that the bow is always a bit higher when compared to the boat.
Where to mount a trolling shaft on a boat?
A good idea could also be to mount it in the rear of the boat or, also, right on your main motor. The most common approach is mounting the trolling shaft on the bow, but it really depends on some aspects. If you choose to mount in on the bow, make sure your boat is compatible with this approach.