Shaft Length Issue

[lewski]

I have a 14ft aluminum from Misty River. The transom measures 18 inches high from the very bottom to where the outboard clamps on. If I put a short shaft motor on then the cavitation plate will be 1 inch above the bottom of the boat because a short shaft motor measures 17 inches from the clamp to the cav plate. If I put a long shaft motor on the the cav plate will be 4 inches below the bottom of the boat as a new longshaft motor measures 22 inches from the clamp to the cav plate..... Which one should I buy

 

[gm280]

Re: Shaft Length Issue

I would go with the short shaft engine because usually the best setup for most OB's is at the short shafts height that you measured. But that is just my opinion... I'm sure more guys will chime in with their advice soon...

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Shaft Length Issue

I have 2 engines, 1 short, 1 long, both used on same 18" transom height boat. The short gives prop cavitation at close turns, and slightly less top speed, rpm included. The long (20") gives excellent performance at all water conditions, but leg has been modified, a second upper water deflector has been added for water flow hitting lower middle leg portion to spray water downward and not upward. By leaving transom at 18" can use both engines, the short with a bit of performance limitations but still friendly & fun to use.

You are right now in the middle of nowhere land, not short, not long.... You have 3 alternatives : chop transom down and buy a short shaft. Get a proper jack plate, or a fixed height engine mount and go for a long shaft. Which engine brand and HP are you thinking in buying ?

Happy Boating

 

[lewski]

Re: Shaft Length Issue

thanks again. I think I will go with a mini jacker jack plate that has a 3 in verticle offset to mount the 20 hp suzuki 4 stroke