Kayak Trolling Motors and Cutting Shafts

[RLinNH]

I was going to pull the trigger on a Motor Guide Xi3 with the 36" shaft this week. Going to bow mount it on a Hobie PA14. Well, Motor Guide no longer makes that Kayak specific model. So, back to the drawing board. It's really a blessing in disguise as both of the trolling motors I have owned on my boats(back in my younger days) were Minn Kota's. And I never had any issues with either one of them. I was going to purchase the motor guide as it was made for a Kayak with a shorter shaft. Now that I know I can't get the Kayak specific motor and I will need to cut the shaft, Motor Guide is off the table. I am looking for a 55lb thrust trolling motor with GPS (Spot Lock is a must have if I am going to put one on my kayak). Can anyone here recommend a Minn Kota Trolling motor along the aforementioned criteria? Also, how much of a PITA is it to cut a trolling motor shaft? 

[RLinNH]

Looks like a Minn Kota Terrova 12v, 55lb thrust, 45" shaft will fit the bill. Now I just gotta figure out the whole cutting the shaft thing...

[Darren.]

Can't offer a recommendation as I've never looked for a

setup like that. But I can comment on cutting the shaft.

It really isn't a huge deal, just need to be careful. There 

are YouTube channels that discuss, one is from Aksmaniyak.

He does a *lot* of modding. I believe I used a piece of

metal that I used to protect the wires, just moved it around

the inside as I cut. Some I've seen use a smaller diameter

tube (copper or metal) that they use to *shield the wires.

 

Edit: *they slide the tube inside the shaft

 

 

[RLinNH]

Time to pull the trigger...

 

[casts_by_fly]

Before you start cutting, just make sure the motor has a mount adapter for your boat. Some are better than others.  

[Lottabass]

@RLinNH  I have a MG Xi3 for Kayaks, 36 inch shaft, Spot Lock, etc.  Had it on a Bass Hunter but too short for the boat I have now so haven't used it in a long time.  Respond if you want it and we'll figure out the details.

[Lottabass]

@RLinNH

[RLinNH]

12 hours ago, Lottabass said:

@RLinNH  I have a MG Xi3 for Kayaks, 36 inch shaft, Spot Lock, etc.  Had it on a Bass Hunter but too short for the boat I have now so haven't used it in a long time.  Respond if you want it and we'll figure out the details.

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