long shaft vs. short shaft

[kdaglio]

hello,

i have a 1972 starcraft sunbird 14'. i am running a 15hp short shaft. i have the oppurtunity to get a 35hp long shaft and wonder if that is a problem. one of my friends told me that i need a short shaft with this boat. i dont think this is true. any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[tommays]

Re: long shaft vs. short shaft

If you have a 15" in transome you need a 15" in motor a 20 " would be way to deep in the water and have to much drag


The only exception would be displacement hulls like sailboats that never go over 6 MPH and need a deep prop because wave action may get the prop out of the water


Tommays

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: long shaft vs. short shaft

you can always use a jack plate to raise the motor..the flat plate above the propeller should be even or just slightly higher the tne keel of the boat.

the difference in weight of the motors, on a 15" transom may be too much.. with the 15 on the boat, add the additional weight to the stearn,. and see where it sits, in the water. may become a swamping problem.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: long shaft vs. short shaft

Some longshafts are shortshafts with extension kits.

Mini Jacker click

 

[Frugal Floater]

Re: long shaft vs. short shaft

You can bolt an adjustable kicker bracket that can travel 12" up and down with multiple stops in between. Stainless ones that can hold up to 20HP can be found for about $120.

type outboard motor bracket in the ebay search and you will see a bunch...or check out this site. The tiller might be a few inches higher than your current motor, but that might be a good thing.