Strick, Is there any particular reason why you chose the hand control 82lb over the remote control 75lb?

The remote controls were fairly new when I bought and I did not trust them I guess so I just wanted to keep it simple.

strick

I got a good quote on a Minn Kota rip tide 80 I/pilot & I'm ready to take the plunge but I can't wet the boat for a few days so I can't measure the height of the bow from the waterline. I want to place the order a.s.a.p because they don't keep them in stock & the expected time of delivery would be approx four weeks. Does anyone know what shaft lenght is required for a "remote" control motor for the 18' Seacraft ?

What's the longest shaft they offer?? Then that's the one.

I have the 60" 80# auto pilot on my 18.

How high above the bow/gunnel is the head of your motor when its deployed and operating ? Would you say the 54" Would be too short ? I flyfish from the bow and unlike conventional rods, the tip of a fly rod is always pointing down into the water when stripping the fly in , so a lower profile would be preferable and less in the way sort of speak.

What Don said. Take a look at the pictures I posted earlier. With the 60 inch shaft the trolling motor prop is just below the water line so there is no prop wash. Once in a while if it gets a little choppy the prop will wash occasionally. You can get an idea about how much the control handle sticks up above the hull when the motor is deployed by looking at the picture. You are going to have to work around the trolling motor with that fly rod no doubt but that motor is going to help you catch fish :)

strick

Damn. This makes me wish I didn't sell that Minn Kota Riptide 101 that I never got around to using in my last boat. A large trolling motor and batteries are a great way to add weight up front.

Strick, Your motor is hand operated so I can see why it would not be practical if it was too low & close to the bow because you would have to reach down for the handle every time you want to steer . Judging by the location of the adjustable shaft clamp in your pic. i'm guessing the head on your unit is approx. 16" above the bow. I don't know how much difference there is in bow height between the 18' & the 20' and I'm getting the i pilot so there is no hand operation . I'm just wondering if the 54" would be a better fit for my intended purpose. At the end of the day I just want to be sure I make the right choice & get the best one for my application & not have any regrets later.

The 54" would probably work for your application. How do you raise and lower that particular motor? My motor has a handle with a cord for lowering and raising.

strick