Suggested shaft length for CS17 trolling motor.

[Scott Dufour]

I've pretty much decided to use an inherited Endura 44# thrust electric trolling motor on my CS17. I intend to keep it stored under the aft deck, and just make a little sunken well off the transom for when I want to mount it. I hope to use it very seldom, but I want to have it in a pinch when the wind dies and I need to get home.

I'm wondering how short I can cut the shaft down to for easy storage. I've got no experience with these things, but the shorter I can make the shaft, the better. How deep does the motor need to go in the water to be effective? If I make the well deep enough, the motor tiller should just clear the aft deck...

Anybody with ideas or experience? There was a thread a few months back with some discussion in this area. Anybody make any progress?

[Brent]

Scott,

I would aim to sink the trolling motor deep enough so that there is at least 6 inches of water over the propellor. This will minimize cavitation and hence help to get full thrust from the motor. Keep in mind heeling angle. You will probably find situations where you will want to use the motor while the sails are up, like when you are trying to round the bend to get into the breeze, or approaching the dock. If the boat is off centerline to windward the motor will get shallower when that little breath of a breeze catches the sails. Makes we want to consider making that motor a little deeper.

[Scott Dufour]

Thanks Brent,

I'll start with the 6" minimum and and make some compensations for heal angle. Any idea what type of heal angles I shoud be expecting in the usual situations?