short shaft/ long transom

[hipster dufus]

i have a friend with a short shaft motor, and a long transom jon. he wants to cut his transom down, are there any other options? i was thinking of a jack plate. any info is appreciated. thanks

 

[marquette]

Re: short shaft/ long transom

i don't think a adjustable jack plate would work. if mounted right it would let you lower the motor but the steering (cable or tiller) would now be below the top of the transom. steering a aux trolling motor on a bracket using the tiller handle in the half upright position is a pain at slow speeds and i would think dangerous at planing speeds. remote steering might hook up with a hole in the transom for the cable to pass through close to the height of the motor. i would think a long shaft conversion kit for the motor would be the simplest and cheapest way to go besides cutting the transom.

 

[JB]

Re: short shaft/ long transom

My preference would be to go to a long shaft outboard. I like those 20" transoms for helping keep the interior of the boat dry.

Next option would be to cut the transom down to 15" in the center 18-20 " of the transom and add a splashwell.

Remember, transom "height" is measured from the top of the transom vertically to level with the keel/bottom, not on the (usually angled) transom surface.

I don't think a jackplate/setback plate would work for the reasons Marquette gave.

 

[jasper60103]

Re: short shaft/ long transom

Maybe your friend can work a trade for the motor or boat to get the right combination? I think a long jon is a desirable asset. LOL! I couldn't help myself.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: short shaft/ long transom

here is better off selling what he has, and get what he needs. jack plate won't work because you cannot tilt the motor up, in shallow water. his only options are another motor, cut the boat.

 

[jasper60103]

Re: short shaft/ long transom

yea, I don't like the cutting the boat idea either. I suggested trading the motor/boat because folks do that a lot up here on craigslist. That's how I got my boat.

 

[steelespike]

Re: short shaft/ long transom

Don't forget if you cut the transom it lowers the capacity rating.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: short shaft/ long transom

What motor does he have? many times you can pick up the long shaft parts and still use his current motor.