Fishhawg, I don't remember how long the shaft is. Take a look in Cabelas, It's the longest one motor guide make in the hand tillers. My anchor is still in the middle, you need to pay attention when you pull the anchor up so that it doesn't wrap around the shaft when the boat swings. I always leave the oars in the water as it freedrifts a lot better. I have both the batteries behind the back seat, on both sides, but I always have someone up front also. I would stick with motor guide, everyone I know that has a minn kota, has had to replace the boards in them at least once. I've had mine for over a year and had no problems with it. It has been well tested on both my s**d and driftboat

Fishhead5