Short or Long???

[cturboaddict]

Still another newbie question,
I was wanting to know what dictates the difference in short or long shaft outboards and what is the ideal length for whatever it is your using?
Ive noticed that some people note in their ads that their outboard has been converted to "short shaft" which im assuming means that the leg is shorter? Is this just for a "shallower" hull?

 

[JB]

Re: Short or Long???

Transom height differs on different boats. The leg of any outboard should place the anti-ventilation plate (sometimes misnamed cavitation plate) about even with the bottom of the transom.

The "standard" transom may call for a "shaft length" of 15" (short), 20" (long), 25" (extra long) or 30" (XX long).

It is essential that the shaft length of the outboard match the transom it is attached to. Mismatches cause very poor performance and could even result in a damaged outboard.