Trolling motor length

[MtPVOL]

I recently purchased a 2006 16.5 Redfisher. 

It did not have a trolling motor so I just ordered (and received) an ipilot 80lb 60” shaft. 

I didn’t even research shaft length until today have I made a mistake with the shaft length?

[M.A.]

I think I run a 60”on my 18 Redfisher. Too long of a trolling motor shaft isn’t really a problem, a too short shaft on your trolling motor isn’t good. 

 

Here’s a good write up on lengths

https://www.trollingmotors.net/blogs/selection/86935495-shaft-length-guide

[MtPVOL]

Thanks for the response and link. 

Makes me feel better.  I will try her out this weekend. 

[M.A.]

Worse case scenario, you can always change the shaft on yours to a shorter shaft for a few dollars.

[BrownBear]

I have a 54" shaft on our 18.  Plenty long enough. In fact I've never had it extended full length, always about a foot short of that.  Not operating in big chop probably helps that a lot, but I'm pretty confident it will be plenty in any kind of water I care to fish.

[Fsu11]

On 5/9/2018 at 4:35 AM, BrownBear said:

I have a 54" shaft on our 18.  Plenty long enough. In fact I've never had it extended full length, always about a foot short of that.  Not operating in big chop probably helps that a lot, but I'm pretty confident it will be plenty in any kind of water I care to fish.

i have a 54" shaft on my RF18 and no issues fishing nearshore or in the inlets of sebastian or jacksonville where constant rollers are coming through.