Johnson AML35D military outboard info ?

[arsene2000]

i just bought a fully serviced 1996 Johnson 35hp outboard motor with PumpJet (not jet drive!) to go with my inflatable boat (15" transom)<br />This is THE engine used by Marines and Navy Seals with F470 zodiac (CRRC) that appears to have a 15"transom as well. but i just figured out that the engine has a long shaft (20"+)<br /><br />1/ how is it possible ? do the military use a short shaft boat with a long shaft engine ?<br />2/ what should i do ? have it transformed to short shaft or sell it and buy another engine (i love the pumpjet lower unit though)

 

[Bigjohn1]

Re: Johnson AML35D military outboard info ?

Inflatables tend to plow through the water vice plane - especially when you have them loaded down to the max with all sorts of gear and a squad of professionals. The sea state is often bad when these boats are used in actual operations so for this reason, a long shaft outboard is used as the short shafts will ventilate too easily. There is nothing wrong with leaving that long shaft on your inflatable. It may be costing you a few mph on the top end but its an inflatable and those things are very hairy at speeds over about 30mph.

 

[dlindeblad]

Re: Johnson AML35D military outboard info ?

The biggest issue I have noticed is while at full speed the long shaft causes my 15' inflatable to porpise making the floor boards buckle.