10-03-2003, 03:38 PM
If your bow is 30" to the water you need a 54 - 62 inch shaft. The distance given for that shaft range by minnkota is 26 - 34 inches. Sounds to me like yoiu are in that range. I recomend the 60 inch shaft so that when you get into some waves, your prop is further under the water.
Your main problem is going to be getting a foot control with a 54 - 62 inch shaft in 12 volt. The do have them. Theres a genesis I believe that would fit. Also theres the maxxum, but now that I think about it, the maxxum in 12 volt with that long a shaft might only be available in hand control.
Anyways, its more a game of money and how much you want to spend.
If all you want is a cable driven motor, basic and simple, the maxxum will save you some money. Since you want to be able to remove the motor, the genesis is not a good option. But the auto pilot is the best choice for easy removal. Just unplug the power and the foot pedal wire, and its a pretty slick unit. You will want to get one of those quick release brackets from cabelas though. Otherwise you will have to pull the side panels, undo the four bolts, and put it all back together. Then you are stuck with holes in your boat as well.
I just went through this last month. I was looking for a motor in the same shaft range as you, but I wanted more than 12 volt and quite a bit of power.
I have to agree with tomegun, no on the motorguide. I owned one once. I have owned two minn kota's and the minn kota is a much higher quality product. In fact, I dont know anyone who has owned bolth a minnkota and a motor guide that didnt in the end think the motor guide was a piece of junk. Maybee I just know minnkota lovers.
The real questions have to be,
first, how much money do you want to spend?
second, how much do you plan on using it?
third, for what type of fishing?
If you plan on using it virtually every trip and most of the day, trolling, in the wind, and waves, 12 volt may not be for you. examples would be walleye fishing, wiper fishing, any type of trolling.
If you plan on using it half the time you are fishing, and mostly to position your boat along the shore, and will only be under power for short periods of time to reposition the boat, you may be extremley happy with a 12 volt system without much lbs of thrust.
One thing to remember is with a boat with a higher profile the wind will push you around a lot more than in say a bass boat. The auto pilot motors are real nice for fixing this problem. Just point them in the direction you want to go, and let the compass fight the wind, rather than your foot.
Your boat is probably glass, and at that length, pretty heavy. I would go with a 65 lb thrust at the minimum.
Welcome to the world of decisions.
With inboards, space is definitley at a premium. I understand why you would want to go 12 volt. Plus, batteries are expensive.
Good luck.
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Your main problem is going to be getting a foot control with a 54 - 62 inch shaft in 12 volt. The do have them. Theres a genesis I believe that would fit. Also theres the maxxum, but now that I think about it, the maxxum in 12 volt with that long a shaft might only be available in hand control.
Anyways, its more a game of money and how much you want to spend.
If all you want is a cable driven motor, basic and simple, the maxxum will save you some money. Since you want to be able to remove the motor, the genesis is not a good option. But the auto pilot is the best choice for easy removal. Just unplug the power and the foot pedal wire, and its a pretty slick unit. You will want to get one of those quick release brackets from cabelas though. Otherwise you will have to pull the side panels, undo the four bolts, and put it all back together. Then you are stuck with holes in your boat as well.
I just went through this last month. I was looking for a motor in the same shaft range as you, but I wanted more than 12 volt and quite a bit of power.
I have to agree with tomegun, no on the motorguide. I owned one once. I have owned two minn kota's and the minn kota is a much higher quality product. In fact, I dont know anyone who has owned bolth a minnkota and a motor guide that didnt in the end think the motor guide was a piece of junk. Maybee I just know minnkota lovers.
The real questions have to be,
first, how much money do you want to spend?
second, how much do you plan on using it?
third, for what type of fishing?
If you plan on using it virtually every trip and most of the day, trolling, in the wind, and waves, 12 volt may not be for you. examples would be walleye fishing, wiper fishing, any type of trolling.
If you plan on using it half the time you are fishing, and mostly to position your boat along the shore, and will only be under power for short periods of time to reposition the boat, you may be extremley happy with a 12 volt system without much lbs of thrust.
One thing to remember is with a boat with a higher profile the wind will push you around a lot more than in say a bass boat. The auto pilot motors are real nice for fixing this problem. Just point them in the direction you want to go, and let the compass fight the wind, rather than your foot.
Your boat is probably glass, and at that length, pretty heavy. I would go with a 65 lb thrust at the minimum.
Welcome to the world of decisions.
With inboards, space is definitley at a premium. I understand why you would want to go 12 volt. Plus, batteries are expensive.
Good luck.
[signature]