Has anyone out there shortened the shaft on their trolling motors, Just wondering if it can be done. I am about to replace the transom bracket on a Minnkota trolling motor as soon as it arrives which should be in the next day or two. 
Tks in advance for your thoughts
BIll
PM ChasRedFish. He cut and shortened his
Grady 282
A-Salt Weapon
quote:
Originally posted by BHarvHas anyone out there shortened the shaft on their trolling motors, Just wondering if it can be done. I am about to replace the transom bracket on a Minnkota trolling motor as soon as it arrives which should be in the next day or two.
Tks in advance for your thoughts
BIll
I have put a longer shaft in one. It’s pretty easy. Just be careful taking the motor apart as to not mess up the seals. If it is threaded on the end, you will need a little heat from a torch to loosen the loctite. Heat the shaft but not real hot, don’t want to melt the wires inside.
Mine was a Motorguide with a 36" shaft. If that is what you need, you can have it.
Hydra-Sports 22 Bay Sport
225 Rude
Ain’t no problem if you neighbor is a machinest like mine! changed mine from 36" to 66" used extra wire out of old motor and stakons. Just be sure to use Locktite sealer on threaded joints!
I shortened one many years ago.
I cut mine from the “top end” instead of the bottom.
Be careful not to damage any wires when you make your cut.
shortening one is very straight forward
take the head off
put somethng between the wires and the shaft like a screwdriver
cut with a haccksaw or dremel tool half way through
rotate screwdriver and cut your way around.
shorten wires
take a picture of wiring so you know where everything goes
you can not take a shaft out of the motor housing and reuse it
The head on my Minn Kota was loose and wobbly. I took an inch or two off the top of my shaft, very similar to what Chris V said. Easy job!