1971 Evinrude long shaft to short shaft

[alderman]

Just picked up what I hope turns out to a bargin. 1971 evinrude model # 18103 with the long shaft. Problem I need a short shaft for the boat I am going to put it on. Should I try and locate the parts required to convert to a short shaft or would it be better just to install a jack plate on the boat? I think (not a good idea for me) all I need would be shift lever,drive shaft, and water tube. Any one ever tried this conversion and is it worth it? Motor seems to be in excellent shape 25hp elec. and manuel start and it runs good for $400.00 I think i'am ok. As always I really appreciate all the help you folks give.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: 1971 Evinrude long shaft to short shaft

What you need is a short drive shaft, short shift shaft, water tube, (just cut off five inchs) As for the shift shaft, if it has the 5" brass extension, just go and use the short. You could also on the shift shaft, cut off 5", and recut the groove for the pinch bolt. If you do the above, all you need is the short drive shaft, and the short seal tube between the water pump, and exhaust housing.

 

[Solittle]

Re: 1971 Evinrude long shaft to short shaft

I would run it as is to see if it performs OK before converting it. I run a 9.9 long shaft on a 13' runabout and it performs just fine.

 

[alderman]

Re: 1971 Evinrude long shaft to short shaft

Thanks for the good advice folks. I thought about leaving it as a long shaft but it's going on a boat I have set up for the Missouri river, don't really think I want a extra 5 inches hanging under the boat. Again thanks for the help.