bertram31.com

Hi all

Can anyone please tell me the distance from the tip of the bow to the water on a 25 or 31? I assume it will vary by a few inches depending on model, but “close” is good enough. Getting ready to order trolling motor and trying to figure out proper shaft length.

Thanks!

I do not know the distance and it would be tough to give you an answer based upon needing to have the boat in the water to measure.

What I can do is share some photos I've collected over the years which show the bow to waterline ratio and you could make a guess and measure that on your boat. It seems from me looking at photos, weight distribution variation is significant based upon type and what you have for power.

general disclaimer - If I have a pic of your boat and you don't want it put online, let me know and I will take it down.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ieWHPAaFdtR2j8vk9
https://photos.app.goo.gl/4nCKPMqEbJrUsE6G7
https://photos.app.goo.gl/q9NDHHeQaaXLZwxB6
https://photos.app.goo.gl/sAhZpMy5pgCn37uX8
https://photos.app.goo.gl/2eML6vHv39VGZSKG9
https://photos.app.goo.gl/JvojpAQ1Q9mvMGwr5
https://photos.app.goo.gl/4mnMuPpbstMbqQqX7

Thanks Matt... those help. Looks about 45-48”. Seem right?

That has to be close. On the 31 I would say you would need to allow 4 feet to the water. Not sure if it helps but on the 31 from the top of the transom cap to the deepest part of the hull (bottom of the V) is 43 1/2 inch's according to Bertram's drawings. Draw the line3 forward you are probably close.

Thanks guys!

Looks like 48” is a safe approximation. With this info, I’ll go with the longest available size, which is 87” shaft. The next size down is 72”, but Minnkota recommends that one only up to 44” max distance from bow to waterline.

Only concern is available room on the deck, but it should work with some finesse. I’m hoping it will stow diagonally from the bow to the side of the windshield. Worst case, it can be cut down some.

That must be one heckva trolling motor to pull around a B31.

In this case, it’s a 25 sport convertible with 4-bangers and a 45 gal tank. It’s pretty light, all things considered.

I’ll post some details on performance, etc once we get it rigged and use it some this spring.