hey guys, i have a 1992 bass Tracker Tournament TX-17 and am putting a new Minn Kota trolling motor on it.

 

I know there is a way to measure for the trolling motor shaft when you're on the water, but the boat and trailer aren't transferred over yet so i have no way to get it to the lake yet. I know this is a popular boat, and was just wondering what those who own the same boat use for shaft length (45" or 52").

 

I fish mostly inland lakes that don't get too choppy at all.

 

Any help from those who have a bass tracker would be greatly appreciated!

 

Thanks,

The boats come with 45" shaft trolling motors.

good point, i guess i could just measure the original one that is on it now. If it is 45", is there any advantage/disadvantage if i get the 52"?

good point, i guess i could just measure the original one that is on it now. If it is 45", is there any advantage/disadvantage if i get the 52"?

Big water, big waves take a longer shaft.

 

That extra 7" will appear to take up a lot more space than just 7".

If you are not fishing areas where you get a lot of boat traffic where you are fighting wakes, or heavy wind where you are fighting white caps, or do a lot of shallow water fishing, I would stick with the 45". When you are in shallow water, that extra length will probably get in the way if you raise the motor to keep it dragging bottom as much when shallow. However, if boat traffic or white caps is a problem, that extra length helps keep in from popping out of the water when the wakes hit.

The depth the shaft lowers the motor is adjustable and you can always adjust a 52" to run shallower, can't increase the length of the 45". The only problem is when stowing the motor, the head and cable is further into the boat.

Tom

They came with a 42" or 45" if my memory serves me right. There's really no need to go any longer than that. If you're fishing really big waves all the time then sure, but for about 97% of people who own one a 45" will be just fine. 

Yep, you can always raise a long shaft up when fishing shallow, but when you have the head a foot or more in the air, the first time you smack it with your favorite rod and it converts it from one piece to a two piece, you will regret it.