I have a new to me 1977 Glastron 17 ft bass boat that needs a trolling motor. Problem is there is only 14" from the top of the bow to the water so something like a 36" shaft would be reasonable but hard to find. I found a Minn kota edge 55 with a 45" shaft, how far up can that tm be raised to keep the prop height reasonable?

You can loosen the depth adjustment nut and raise the shaft straight up until it's out of the water. I don't recall if there is a stop collar ring for upward movement, if there is loosen it so the motor slides up as far as you need it. You want the TM prop at least 12" underwater so it doesn't cavitation in waves.

Tom

8 minutes ago, WRB said:

You can loosen the depth adjustment nut and raise the shaft straight up until it's out of the water. I don't recall if there is a stop collar ring for upward movement, if there is loosen it so the motor slides up as far as you need it. You want the TM prop at least 12" underwater so it doesn't cavitation in waves.

Tom

^^this. It is better to have a shaft that is a little too long, than one that is too short.

This is a low riding Grizzly 1648 with glued carpet, 3 x 60lb batteries, hinged rear deck extension, etc. The 42" shaft Maxxum 70 is 24" from the bottom of the mount to the top of the motor. It sticks up, but hasn't been the first problem during the 6 years I've had it.

 

 

That's a '64 2-door Jetstar 88 Olds convertible in the background. It was renovated by my wife's late husband and belongs to her son. And no, I don't take the 16 gallon shop vac fishing. 

Well it sounds like this unit should work ok then. Thanks for the help.

At the shortest setting, from the bottom of the hinge holding bracket to the bottom of the skeg is about 25 inches.

 

The shaft length will depend a lot on whether you're fishing a Great Lake or a millpond.

The top of my powerhead starts ~10" below the surface, and may be adjusted deeper for wave action

 

Roger