Just pulled the trigger on a new 2018 Sportsman. I want to add a trolling motor but receiving some conflicting info on the shaft length I will need - 60" vs. 72". Anyone have a trolling motor on a similar size boat they want to share so info with me. Thanks.
Kevin
1720 Sea Hunt w/ 115 hp Yam
M’Ocean Sickness
The only reason I can see for having a 72" is in real ruff seas! Wish I hand a 72" rather than my 60 " last year fishing the rigs in the gulf in 4’ waves. That’s the only time in 20 years that that has hapend. That extra 12" when folded in the bow take up a lot of room. I would take a 5’ and 6’ stick and lay it out off the bow and see what they hit.
Is it tiller or remote steer? You will definitely need the 72" if tiller and advisable for the remote.
Iain Pelto
Pathfinder 2000V
'71 Scout “Ugly Duckling”
I have a 19’ Seapro sv1900 I have the 60" shaft and when I get waked the prop will come out of the water. Just looked up the 212 Open. If you plan to hit the 60, capers reef, black banks and want to lock on spots I HIGHLY recommend the 72" Get the quick release bracket to remove it when your not fishing since it’s longer and can get in the way of bow riding guest. The real question is 80lb vs 112lb thrust. My motor struggles in the cooper and wando on mid tide. Seeing your boat is bigger I recommend the 112lb thrust in 72". West marine has the three bank charger on sale right now too for 99. I recommend Hankel Marine for installation if you are looking they do it right and don’t rip you off.
Thanks hookem. That is what I was thinking. I’m going with the 72” shaft with the quick release bracket and 112 lb thrust. Thanks from everyone for the input.
Kevin
1720 Sea Hunt w/ 115 hp Yam
M’Ocean Sickness
I’d go with 72" if you’ll be off shore some. I had a 60" on my 222 Pioneer, and changed shaft to 72". Previously the prop would come out of the water when bottom fishing if not absolutely calm. I’d also suggest Minnesota…having had both.
Roger
Not certain but not sure quick release bracket is option for 72"… may want to confirm
In my previous post suggesting which brand…make that Minnkota. For more comments PM me.
Roger
X2 on the MK
I have 112 lb thrust and 72" shaft trolling motor on my 22 Tidewater Carolina Bay.I wouldn’t want any shorter shaft.
quote:
Originally posted by BigCNot certain but not sure quick release bracket is option for 72"… may want to confirm
Quick release bracket has been made for the 112# 72" Minn Kota. I have that exact setup. The old quick release bracket pins were very small and were actually breaking under all the torque from the trolling motor. Especially if the motor were to hit something, the pins would shear off. The new ones are very stout.
To the OP, I had a 36v 112# 72" MK Terrova(had the Ulterra, heard about all the issues so sold it) mounted on my Pioneer 197 Sportfish. The height of the bow coupled with waves or wakes from other boaters made the decision for the 72" shaft simple. I never had issues with the prop coming out of the water, and you can still adjust the depth so you can go shallower if running in skinny water or drop it down if you are fishing rougher water or over wrecks. I just upgraded to the Sea Hunt BX 22 BR and will be keeping the 72" just because I prefer to have the option of dropping the motor deeper if need be.
Capt. Jeremiah
Southern Slam Fishing Charters
Pioneer 197 Sportfish
Thanks to everyone for the input.
Kevin
1720 Sea Hunt w/ 115 hp Yam
M’Ocean Sickness