I see a lot (the majority) of mud motors made with 72" shafts. I have been checking out another company's motors and a lot of theirs are 59" shafts. Why would you want a 72" over a 59" shaft? Is there any difference in speed or performance?

The longer shaft enters the water at a better angle creating more forward thrust and less upward (wasted) thrust. My take on it anyway.

It is for a 16" or 20" transom.

The boat I have is actually a 17" transom.

Longer shaft = More Tiller Torque

Just make sure that your handle is long enough.
Take this for example: (length of handles and shafts)

Longest to Shortest-
Mud-buddy
Gator-Tail
Pro-Drive (original shallow water OUTBOARD)

All motors that handle well, but so you really want to drive a tiller from your front deck?

The 72" performs better in every way, and they arent that bad to drive once you learn them and get it dialed in.

Hey Woodie until you run a BW 59 inch shaft dont say that a 72 incher is better. I think of mine as a surface drive with reach. Im getting 22mph with 7 dozen dekes and other guy

If all the other LT's had a cavi-plate set up like a backwater they would be faster.

Backwaters are good motors, I just wish they offered a short transom 72" shaft

I love my Back h2o 35 ss it gets it. handles good to.