Converting from long to short shaft

[bonz_d]

Hello folks,

Here is the situation, I have an opportunity to puchase a very nice newer (late 80s) 28hp Johnson long shaft with low hrs that I would like to put on a short shaft boat. The reason being is the boat has a rack steer console and I don't want to monkee around with rigging up something to be able to use the old 18hp Evinrude I have. The cost of some of the prefabed kits I've seen is almost half the cost of this newer motor. Besides the 28 is electric start also.

The question is, The 28hp has the older style split gearcase with the extension and not the newer one pc. thru the hub exhaust gearcase. So what yrs or models short shaft gearcases or drive shafts fit or interchange?

I wouldn't normally consider this but this size range short shafts are very hard to find around here and the ones I've seen are fetching premium prices and most of the 25hp models are set up for tillers and do not have the steering tube.

Thanks again,
Kevin

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Converting from long to short shaft

i personally recommend a transom elevator, rather than make a short shaft.
http://www.iboats.com/Transom_Eleva...17767710--**********.279648616--view_id.40157

also see this. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=268293

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Converting from long to short shaft

Thanks for the thought and advice but I'd rather not alter the boat. Even though that is an alternative I had decided against that long ago. Then again, the cost of that elevator is almost 1/2 the price of what I'd spend on the motor.

I know the change can be made to the motor but if it's that big a hassle then I'll just have to pass this motor up and keep searching for a nice short shaft.

As an example there is a very nice early 80s 35hp rude short shaft at a dealer near by and he's asking $1000.00 for it and won't budge off the price. Way past my budget!

 

[F_R]

Re: Converting from long to short shaft

My instant reaction wants to say that any of the old 18-20-25 series of motors will work, but sanity says maybe not. Best you go to http://shop2.evinrude.com/ and do some part number comparisons. The drive shaft probably is the problem.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Converting from long to short shaft

Thanks F_R,

Already been there. The part number for the same year 25hp is off by 1 number. 28hp # 329257, 25hp # 329237. I didn't see but 1 part number for the drive shaft listed for the 28hp.

Also agree that there is probably a change in the drive shaft to the late 70s and up as they also changed the water pump design. But I see many 25s with the same mid section and gear case as the 28. Just can't tell if they are using the same parts.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Converting from long to short shaft

Just answered my own question.

The gearscase for the 25 and 28 are the same number and the 257# is for a 20" shaft and the 237# is the 15" shaft.