Minn Kota shaft length

[perko]

Looking at putting a 80 lb minn kota I pilot on my 5.3 NQ Borger cat. It has a bow to waterline measurement of 90 cm. I am wondering if a 60 inch shaft will be long enough? Has anyone got a bowmount on a largish boat with a similar bow to waterline measurement?

[Dantren]

Hey Perko, My waterline is about 920. Had an air head moment & bought the 54 inch I pilot. BLA changed it to a 60inch(max length) for $160.
I have no worries on flat water, but if it is choppy it depends on how the boat sits.
If it's wind against tide & the boat sits side on to the chop, it works ok.
If the bow sits straight into the chop, the prop comes out very easily.
Also depends on where the people are standing in the boat too......
Has definitely brought more fish in the boat for me.
Dan.

[perko]

Thanks for your post Dan. What weight is your hull ? and what pound thrust electric have you got?

[Playtime]

I have a 54" shaft on galeforce 6 metre, 85 lb thrust. Boat/motor loaded weights about 1 tonne. You will likely need the 60" shaft, as mine has the same height to waterline as yours and if I had my time again I would have ordered a 60". At 54", mine pops out of the water a little if the chop gets up. Go the 60" I say.

[charleville]

On the Whitworth's site, you will find their "Whitworth's Adviser" page ... https://www.whitworths.com.au/customer_service.asp?pg=104&ID=247


In there, it suggests that the rule of thumb is that the centre of the motor section should be submerged 23 cm to avoid cavitation. They also have a diagram of recommended shaft lengths but it cuts out at 865 mm bow-to-waterline distance - which coincides with a 60" shaft length.

They also suggest that 125 mm needs to be added to the waterline measurement for rough water.


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[Dantren]

Thanks for your post Dan. What weight is your hull ? and what pound thrust electric have you got?

It's a 5.2 plate boat. About 1200 + kg. 24V 80Lb.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think it costs extra to order the 60" model?

[charleville]

It's a 5.2 plate boat. About 1200 + kg. 24V 80Lb.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think it costs extra to order the 60" model?



I am in the market for the same Minn Kota and today I emailed a couple of dealers asking prices. One has already emailed back to me with this response ...

"The i-pilot 80 V2 (version 2) comes with a 54" shaft for $2200.00
It can be upgraded out of the factory to 60" for an additional charge. I
think it is about $100-120 for the longer shaft, To be sure I will have to
check on Monday."


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