Conversion from Long Shaft to Short Shaft??

[boatflipper]

I was wondering if I could convert my 1966 Evinrude that is currently a long shaft, to a short shaft by using the short shaft off my other 1965 Evinrude. Both are 33HP ski-twins.
The reason for me asking is the one that is currently a short shaft is having some powerhead issues that I need to investigate so the longshaft is going to have to go on the fishing boat and I would rather have a short shaft on my fisher. That make any sense at all?
I am assuming it is just a matter of changing out the shift rods...
Let me know if this is simple or not. Seems like it should be.
Thanks!

1966 model

1965 model

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: Conversion from Long Shaft to Short Shaft??

Driveshaft needs to be swapped as well.
Others will weigh in on compatability ~ i.e. go/no go, but I would think that the more logical approach would just be to swap powerheads.

 

[marinemech1]

Re: Conversion from Long Shaft to Short Shaft??

Looks like it will swap out just fine.
While your at it change water pump impeller.
Wayne

 

[F_R]

Re: Conversion from Long Shaft to Short Shaft??

33hps are all basically alike. No problem.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Conversion from Long Shaft to Short Shaft??

shift rod, drive shaft, water tube. why not put a transom elevator on the boat, and leave the motor alone.

 

[boatflipper]

Re: Conversion from Long Shaft to Short Shaft??

shift rod, drive shaft, water tube. why not put a transom elevator on the boat, and leave the motor alone.

About what would it cost to build or buy one? I recall reading through some posts in the restore section that mentioned a transom elevator but can't recall what they were titled. If you could point me to them that would be great.