This article provides detailed information on motor shaft diameters, changing shaft lengths, shaft warranty, and choosing shaft length.
Jump to:
- Shaft Diameter Specifications
- Changing the Length of the Shaft on you Trolling Motor
- Shaft Warranty
- Select the Correct Shaft Length
- Measure for your Correct Shaft Length
- Bow-Mount Shaft Length Recommendation Chart
- Transom-Mount Shaft Length Recommendation Chart
- Resources
Shaft Diameter Specifications
| Trolling Motor Model | Shaft Diameter |
|
1 1/8” Shaft Diameter |
|
1 1/4” Shaft Diameter |
|
1 1/2” Shaft Diameter |
Shortening the Composite Shaft
Most trolling motor shafts can be shortened if they’re too long. We recommend having this done by an Authorized Service Center. Shortening the shaft yourself will void your Minn Kota warranty, but having it done by an Authorized Service Center will not. If you purchased an extended warranty through a retailer or dealer, check with them to confirm whether shortening the shaft affects that coverage.
If you choose to shorten the shaft, you are responsible for any associated costs.
Ulterra, Ulterra Quest, and Riptide Instinct Quest
The shafts on Ulterra, Ulterra Quest, and Riptide Instinct Quest motors cannot be shortened. Because of the Auto Stow/Deploy and Trim systems, shortening the shaft would require replacing multiple components, including the shaft and control board, which is generally cost‑prohibitive. Additionally, shaft length options for Ulterra models are limited.
Replacing the Composite Shaft with a Longer Shaft
Replacing a trolling motor shaft with a longer one is generally cost‑prohibitive, but may be possible for certain models. Only the following motor families may be compatible with a longer shaft:
- Endura
- Endura Max
- Traxxis
- Riptide Transom
- PowerDrive & Riptide PowerDrive
- Terrova & Riptide Terrova
- Edge
- Maxxum
Models outside these families would require extensive software or hardware updates, making shaft length changes costly.
To maintain your Minn Kota warranty, any shaft lengthening must be performed by an Authorized Service Center.
Shaft Warranty
Shaft Warranty Repairs are completed through an Authorized Service Center.
- Click here for the limited lifetime warranty on composite shafts for Minn Kota Freshwater Trolling Motors
- Click here for the limited lifetime warranty on composite shafts for Minn Kota Saltwater/Riptide Trolling Motors
Select the Correct Shaft Length
Choosing the correct shaft length for your trolling motor is important so that the electric motor does not cavitate, creating fish-spooking noise. The rule of thumb is to have the top of the lower unit or foot of the motor covered by at least 12" of water. In general, shaft length selection is more critical with bow-mount motors versus transom-mount motors. Most boat transoms are similar in their distance to the water, and Minn Kota’s standard transom shaft lengths should be adequate. With bow-mounted motors, there is a greater variation in shaft length requirements.
Measure for your Correct Shaft Length
Measure from the mounting surface of the transom or bow where the motor will be mounted to the top of the water.
- Add 5" to waterline measurement for fishing in rough water. Optimal operating mode is with the engine trimmed all the way down.
- Add 9" for bow-mount Hand Control motors. If you will be steering a hand-controlled motor while standing, add an additional 12" to the measurement.
Use this measurement for the tables below to find the appropriate trolling motor shaft length. For more information, visit our Trolling Motor Selection & Boat Size Guide and Rigging Guides pages.
Bow-Mount Shaft Length Recommendation Chart
Transom-Mount Shaft Length Recommendation Chart
