Shaft length

[aig51]

Right now, I could use either a short or long shaft motor as an auxiliary because I have a drop down bracket. I would also like to purchase a little fishing boat sometime in the future, like a 10 or 12 foot aluminum or fiberglass, or maybe a livingston type boat. Something like that. Do most of those small boats like that need a short shaft? I am just wondering what I would be better off getting now since either would work. I know the cav plate is supposed to be even with the bottom of the transom, but if its like halfway between sizes, is it better to get the longer or shorter? And besides, I don't know what size these little boats take anyways. Thanks.

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: Shaft length

If your gonna have a little boat to use, You WILL need a short shaft (15")

 

[aig51]

Re: Shaft length

Ok thank you. Only other thing, with a drop down bracket, is a short shaft going to work just about anytime? Im just thinking of if I ever get another boat. Also, do they make brackets that mount on boats that have those full swim platforms around the back? Just want to try to get a motor that will work for just about any application I may end up getting in the future. Thanks.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Shaft length

I run a long shaft 9.9 on a short shaft 13'er & it performs quite nicely. So much for "rules".

 

[aig51]

Re: Shaft length

So in other words, does that mean its not that big of a deal unless its your main motor and you are trying to get the best performance out of it?

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Shaft length

Not really. It will get the job done and you can make a small plate to raise it up if needed. Ya never know what boat you will wind up with later on and you may wish you had that long shaft...

 

[aig51]

Re: Shaft length

Thanks Rick. So even on a small fishing boat, you can put a plate to raise it? 5 inches doesnt really seem like much to me, if its 5 inches extra in the water. Maybe I should go with the long shaft. Thanks.