Re: short or long ... that is the question
Correct. With the outboard upright, measure from the inside top of the transom clamp to the bottom of the skeg and note the measure at the anti-ventilation plate...the flat plate above the gearcase and prop. Now throw a straight edge on the bottom of the your boat at the transom, so it extends out from the transom about a foot. Have someone measure from the top of the transom board/edge to the straight edge. Note the measure. If your transom is deeper than 20 inches you need a long shaft outboard, unless you intend to use an offset jack plate. Shorter than 20 inches and you're good to go with a short shaft. The anti-ventilation plate should be within 1.5 inches, up or down, give or take, of the bottom of the boat when the outboard is installed.