Hi All. Tried searching for this question but only found links from long to short shaft.
I have a "new" (6 months old from dealer)2008 25MSH 2 stroke short shaft Yamaha outboard. Currently running a 13'9" Zodiac. Great boat and goes like a bat out of you know what. However... bit small for crabbing on Oregon Coast. Pots take a LOT of room. Looks like a 25 can power a 15-16' boat nicely. Problem is all the boats in this range except for the 15' Smoker Craft Alaskan have 20" transoms.
I'm not going to get rid of the inflatable (perfect answer to how do I tow my travel trailer and boat at the same time) just curious how much $$ ballpark it would be to convert the engine if I decide to go with something like the alaskan lodge or a 16 footer. Really opens up the possibilities for used boats or deals if I can convert to a long shaft as that is the standard in this area. The $$ I save buying a long shaft may make up the diffference for the conversion cost. The Zodiac dealer says there is a transom conversion kit that can make the boat take a 20" shaft. I am looking at 2 boats, one power plant. Maximum flexability with minimal investment.
However, if a conversion causes mechanical problems or is too much $$$ that will make a difference which boat I get.
FYI..LOVE the Yamaha motor. Best outbord I have had dealt with. Very smooth and quiet for a 2 stroke. 100 to 1 mix = hardly any smoke.
I have a "new" (6 months old from dealer)2008 25MSH 2 stroke short shaft Yamaha outboard. Currently running a 13'9" Zodiac. Great boat and goes like a bat out of you know what. However... bit small for crabbing on Oregon Coast. Pots take a LOT of room. Looks like a 25 can power a 15-16' boat nicely. Problem is all the boats in this range except for the 15' Smoker Craft Alaskan have 20" transoms.
I'm not going to get rid of the inflatable (perfect answer to how do I tow my travel trailer and boat at the same time) just curious how much $$ ballpark it would be to convert the engine if I decide to go with something like the alaskan lodge or a 16 footer. Really opens up the possibilities for used boats or deals if I can convert to a long shaft as that is the standard in this area. The $$ I save buying a long shaft may make up the diffference for the conversion cost. The Zodiac dealer says there is a transom conversion kit that can make the boat take a 20" shaft. I am looking at 2 boats, one power plant. Maximum flexability with minimal investment.
However, if a conversion causes mechanical problems or is too much $$$ that will make a difference which boat I get.
FYI..LOVE the Yamaha motor. Best outbord I have had dealt with. Very smooth and quiet for a 2 stroke. 100 to 1 mix = hardly any smoke.
