Short shaft vs long

[Zaxxon II]

I currently have an 89 Force 50hp long shaft on a 20" transum but the cav plate is at least 2" below the bottom of the hull and the boat performs horribly (snail slow hole shot and 23mph WOT on 15' fiberglass bass boat). I found a real deal on an evinrude short shaft that seems to line up even with the bottom of the hull (maybe 1/2 inch above. Will this motor work on my boat or is there a way to lower the transum mount? Is the major problem water intake? Thanks.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Short shaft vs long

Depends on the Evinrude. Models with the water intake on the sides of the gearcase...maybe. Water intake on the front of the exhaust snout...nope. Your Force should run about where it is. You probably just need a prop with a lower pitch.