I currently run a 18foot v-`8 with a 45'' fortex I live in Iowa where its pretty windy, I don't think the trolling motor has ever came out of the water due to waves and if it has it hasn't been very long what would you run length wise for this kind of boat want to make sure if I was to upgrade I would be making the right choice

45” should be fine. Measure from your gunwale at the bow to the water and then add 20”. As long as that’s less than your shaft length your good to go.

 

 

 

On 9/1/2021 at 7:23 PM, GaryH said:

45” should be fine. Measure from your gunwale at the bow to the water and then add 20”. As long as that’s less than your shaft length your good to go.

 

 

 

I have it down all the way currently. I measured where the trolling motor sits on the bow to the water and it was 17” inch until my boat sat in the water. I mainly fish mid/deep. Same thrust 80lb Some more info

You should be fine. 

I fish a lot of windy days here in MO.  My 45” shaft came out of the water a lot fishing into the wind.  I went with longer this time and it stays down.

33 minutes ago, Jig Man said:

I fish a lot of windy days here in MO.  My 45” shaft came out of the water a lot fishing into the wind.  I went with longer this time and it stays down.

would it mount differently? Like different holes from the 45' shaft?

9 hours ago, GoneFishingLTN said:

would it mount differently? Like different holes from the 45' shaft?

If it is the same brand it might have the same footprint.  You can call the mfg tech support and as them.