I have an '88 Cajun F/S (I think 900lbs) with an 85hp (manual says 250lbs) + fat boy + wife + kid. It has an existing bow mount foot control MG 28# which moves along ok on speeds 4 and 5, as long as the wind isn't blowing. I've been looking at the 55# to replace it, but I might have trouble getting that past the Budget and Finance Manager for a while. I have a chance to get a used 36# locally (not easy in Hicksville) for $50.

Questions:

Should I bother with the 36# as something better than what I have until I can afford the 55# and then sell off both the 28# and the 36#, or just chug along with what I have?

Given the weights above, what would be a suitable size TM for my boat?

I've read that shaft measurement should be bow to water distance + 20". That means that I could get away with a 36", 40" would be optimal, but if I only found 45", is that ok to use? Does that also mean that when mounting a new one that I should set it at that distance (bow to water distance + 20")?

Thanks for any assistance!

Odds have it that I happen to have owned an 87 Cajun FS.  Not sure on your length... but mine was an 18 fter with a 175 mercruiser.  Obviously the motor weighs more but that boat was built like a Sherman Tank.  I think the fiberglass had to be 2 inches thick.  Long story short... it was a very heavy boat (actually ended up bending my single axle trailer.. it needed a tandem).  I had a 55 lb motorguide brute on it and it did the job just fine.  Now if you were talking 20 mph winds or something then no.. but your average run of the day wind then yes.  

In your case, I would still imagine your boat to be fairly heavy and awkward.. especially with a boat load of people.  I would do at least that 55 lb and would not consider a 36 IMO.  That 36 would barely be any more noticeable.  Just save real hard and get the good one.  Im not sure your exact boat but I believe the 45" shaft did fine on mine.

I have a Minn Kota AT, Foot control 12v, 42",  50lb thrust if you're interested.

Works great. Has the head/steering gear beef up kit installed. It's around a 1999 model. $175 shipped to you if you're interested.

Thanks for the advice Tommy. My '88 Cajun is the 16' Fiero F/S with the original Force 85hp. I just wondered if the 36# might be like adding one more speed so my 4 now would be a 3 and when I need 5 now I would have a 6. Then again, when into a 15-20mph wind, even the 5 is just standing still draining the battery. Most of my local lakes are small enough that I don't drain in a normal day fishing, but there are a couple of larger ones I would like to hit once I get the new TM.

Did your Cajun have the digital gauges? If not, I would like to ask about your dash configuration (maybe another thread or PM). Previous owner removed one and ran the HB525 wiring through the hole. I would like to restore it to original.

cart - A very generous offer! Especially shipped! The $50 for the 36# is generally within my pocket money from my "allowance" and the wife would never know. Our general agreement is we ask each other on anything over a hundred, and now might not be the best time after what I've asked for for Father's Day. Still, after 20 years together, I know ways of getting things I really want and $175 is cheap compared to what I will owe her if I get it. I'll discuss it with her tonight and get back to you if someone who has now seen this hasn't snatched it up by then. Thanks again for the great offer!

I wasn't planning on selling this on the forums.  You seemed to be in a bind and I'd be willing to go through the hassles of shipping to help you out.  Personally, it will go on Craigslist if you don't take it.  No rush though.  

Thanks for that! I can't say that I'm really in a bind, since the old one works for the most part. If I have to move more than a few hundred yards, I just crank up the big motor. I'm sure I'm scaring a few away doing that, but I'm not tournament fishing, I'm fishing with family and friends.

Someone else wants the 36# mentioned above, but they also may want my 28#. Telling the Mrs. that I may have a buyer for it seems to be loosening her up on the idea, so I might just be able to make this happen.

I haven't looked at what it is going to take to remove the old one and mount a new one yet, but I don't think it is going to be pleasant. Since I am likely getting a new finder for the bow for Father's Day, I'm going to have to be in there anyway, so it seems like a good time to take on both issues.