Can I use my long shaft on this boat?

WarrenW

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Apr 11, 2007
Messages
35
I just picked up a 14" skiff type boat to use this summer. The transom is measured at 17 1/2" height. I have the Johnson 25 hp long shaft. Can I use it fine? Or do I need to add one of those mini-jackers to mount the motor on that will raise it about 4"? Will the performance or drag really effect it by a couple extra inches? I don't plan to go anywhere shallow either - just up and down the rivers here in Savannah, GA.

Thanks

Warren
 

Salmonseeker

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 11, 2005
Messages
298
Re: Can I use my long shaft on this boat?

It will work, but performance will suffer a bit because of the extra drag. If the motor is bolted to the transom, you could always raise the motor to the top hole. This should give you a few inches.
If it is a clamp on type motor, you should be able to raise it a bit by putting a small piece of would on top of the transom where the motor will rest. Just make sure the clamps are not too close to the edge.

My dad bought a 14' foot boat designed for a short shaft. He found that waves would go over the transom in rough conditions. He removed the wood from the transom and added a new piece of wood that that was 5 inches taller to accommodate a long shaft. It worked great.

If your not too concerned about performance it will work fine for you as is.

Jay
 

WarrenW

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Apr 11, 2007
Messages
35
Re: Can I use my long shaft on this boat?

My Johnson 25hp has a broken clamp but has these two holes marked in the picture below. Can i bolt the motor to the transom just using these two holes? I was thinking I could raise the motor about two inches with wood in there for the clamp area to rest down on. I'm just curious if these two bolt holes are enough to hold the motor to the transom?

j1.jpg


Thanks
 

WarrenW

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Apr 11, 2007
Messages
35
Re: Can I use my long shaft on this boat?

What the guy sent my yesterday was just the screw part for the bracket. I was so upset I paid $38 just for the screw part! Now I'm going to return it.

The reason I asked again was because I just got the boat yesterday and the measurement of the transom was 17 1/2" which is right in the middle between 15 and 20 inches. It it was 15" on the transom I would definately know I could not use it.

I was thinking of getting some aluminum metal and with a board just rasing the transom up a few inches myself.

Now my biggest concern is if I can use those two bolt holes to bolt the motor to the transom along with one good bracket. When i saw pics of other outboards, they had multiple holes for bolting but I assume they were larger outboards also. Not sure with being just a 25hp if these two are sufficient. I'm still going to hunt for a replacement bracket for now.

Thanks

Warren
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: Can I use my long shaft on this boat?

sent you a PM.
 

Frank Acampora

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 19, 2007
Messages
12,004
Re: Can I use my long shaft on this boat?

While you are waiting for a new clamp, get a nice long u bolt or bow eye. Drill two holes in the transom euther side of the clamp, up high where the it is broken and use the bow eye to hold the top of the clamp tight to the transom.
This is just a temporary measure, and I wouldn't use full power just to be safe. I reiterate: the only proper repair is another mounting clamp.

Evinrude did not pay some engineer a couple of months wages (to design that clamp) for no reason.
 
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