Transom Height/ Long Shaft

[springbok]

I have a 14' Aluminum fishing boat, it has a 16" transom. I just purchased a 25hp Evinrude used at a really good price but I think it's a long shaft. Is this a problem? If so what can I do?<br />Also from what locations on the motor do I measure to determine if it's a long or short shaft?<br />Thanks,<br />Paul

 

[sloopy]

Re: Transom Height/ Long Shaft

short shaft is usualy around 15 inches. Long shaft is around 20 and extralong can be between 25-30 inches.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Transom Height/ Long Shaft

from what locations on the motor do I measure to determine?? <br />From where the motor Clamp sets on the transom to the anti-cav plate......<br /><br /> but I think it's a long shaft. Is this a problem? <br />Yes, You'll have Really Poor Handling,+ Efficiency....<br />Raising the transom,+ mounting the motor Higher will make the boat Tippier, from raising the center of gravity...<br /><br /> If so what can I do? <br />Sell it at a profit,+ Go Buy the Right 1.....<br /><br />As SLOOPY states.....<br />15" is a shortshaft...<br />20" is mid-length...(this Used to be Long)<br />25" is a longshaft...<br />30" is for Sailboats....

 

[richg99]

Re: Transom Height/ Long Shaft

I've had a number of boats with 20 inch motors and 15 inch transoms. Since I imagine the budget is tight, you can buy or build an aluminum transom extender that will raise your motor up so that the anti-cav plate will be even with the bottom of the boat.If you got a really good deal on the motor, that may be the most economical way to solve your problem. You might also post ( on a couple of news groups ) that you want to swap your 20 inch for a 15. Sailboaters almost always need long shaft motors. If you buy a "jack/plate" , it will normally set the motor a number of inches behind the transom. That means raising the moter even higher to accomodate the setback. I had a similar situation on a small boat, and the setback/raised motor allowed me to go into some very shallow areas. I don't know about the stability of your boat, however, mine was a very stable platform to do all of that on. RichG

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Transom Height/ Long Shaft

Hey Bondo,<br /> Do I know you? Where in the 1000 Islands are you out of?<br />- Scott

 

[Ron Everson]

Re: Transom Height/ Long Shaft

I bought a cheap 1971 50 horse Evinrude at a farm sale and hung it on a 1961 Texas Maid Fiesta aluminum runabout. When I got it home, I discovered that it was a long shaft and the boat needed a short shaft(shoulda taken a tape measure). I had a guy build an aluminum structure with channel and plate that extended the transom to the right height (cost ~$150.00). It worked great, and I no longer had to worry about waves coming over that dip in the transom, so it actually improved the boat. It probably wasn't the cheapest solution, but it worked for me.<br /><br /> Ron

 

[Solittle]

Re: Transom Height/ Long Shaft

Paul - I would suggest that you try out what you have before you do anything. I have a 12' alumnium skiff with a short shaft transom and a 9.9 hp long shaft motor. It may not be the "optimum" but it works just fine for the wife & I.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Transom Height/ Long Shaft

Chinewalker,<br /><br />Live just outside Watertown....<br />Launch at the Mary st. dock.... or Sackets... Depends on the Fish...

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Transom Height/ Long Shaft

Hi Bondo,<br /> I'm in Fishers Landing, used to work at Chalk's many moons ago. I run a used outboard sales and service on the side....<br /> Do you do a lot of outboard work or more as a hobby? I see by your profile you're a Merc guy. Got much older stuff?<br />- Scott

 

[Bondo]

Re: Transom Height/ Long Shaft

Ya, well, You just Might know me......<br />I installed All of the Black-top for Dwayne... His house, his kids houses,+ the Marina....<br />A few years ago, we had a fellow on the crew for awhile, from Rochester, who married a Gal, Whose parents owned a place at Fishers Landing... He's into Racing Little Hydros....Don't remember his name though.....<br />I'm into Mercruisers.. Not so much outboards...Although I've got a bunch of "Tower of Power" stuff.. Hope to someday build another 150hp,I6, for an old project in the backyard.... I've talked to Gary Phillips about it, But haven't bumped that project up to the frontburner yet.....<br />I don't know What's going to happen to Chaulks, If Dwayne ever retires(I Doubt it), or when he passes away.... At his age, he's Still a FireBall.... I don't think the kids got Dwaynes Energy..... Dwayne Knows his buisness,+ he thinks his Junk is Gold Plated.... That's Not Good for an old Pack Rater like me.....<br /><br />Cold enough for ya ??? I hear the River is Frozen, Shore to Shore.......