Hello, I just recently bought my first boat. A 2008 stratos 285xl pro. Can’t wait to get it on the water. I am upgrading the trolling motor to an Minnkota ulterra. I’m looking for advice on what shaft length I should go with. There’s a 45” on it. Should I stick with a 45” or go with a 60”? Should I go from a 24v to a 36v? Any help would be greatly appreciated. 

I have a 2012 Stratos 189 VLO with a 45" Maxxum and would never have a use for a 60" motor. Only thing I could see is if you're fishing big water and worried about it popping out of the water frequently. I've got a 24V 80lb Maxxum on mine and it's plenty for me but if you have the means to and don't mind pulling wires, nobody has ever complained about having too much trolling motor power. 

Not the same boat, but I have an 03 Triton TR 186 that had a 60" Terrova on it when I got it, I hated it. Went with a 45" Ultrex and it is much better.