Long shaft and short shaft

[vdubber87]

Hi guys. What is the difference between long shaft and short shaft outboard motors?

 

[wbeaton]

Re: Long shaft and short shaft

5". The longshaft extends down an extra 5" and can be used on boats with higher transoms.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Long shaft and short shaft

Shortshaft models fit boats with 15" transoms and longshaft models fit 20" transoms. Many smaller older longshafts are shortshafts with extension kits either as accesoriy or factory installed. Most modern models are completely either/or.

 

[vdubber87]

Re: Long shaft and short shaft

Oh ok I see. So all boats have either a 15'' or 20'' transom...nothing in between?

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: Long shaft and short shaft

Oh ok I see. So all boats have either a 15'' or 20'' transom...nothing in between?

you'd think so , but they're all over the place, and so are outboards. 15" or 20" is typical but not carved in stone.
I think it's my Merc 9.8 short that measures about 18"
My one cartopper boat's transom is 17.5"