Long Shaft -vs- Short Shaft

ddrieck

ddrieck

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 12, 2007
Messages
674
Hello Everyone,
I am looking to replace the damaged lower unit on my 1978 Merc 500 50.
My question is...How do I know if it is a long shaft or a short shaft. Does anybody have the measurements for each?

Thanks in Advance
 
O

oregonboatnewb

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Dec 6, 2008
Messages
283
Re: Long Shaft -vs- Short Shaft

I've got a 1968 500 merc and 17in is short 20 1/2 is long, you need to drop lower unit and measure the drive shaft, then just match it up online, ebay has a few lowers right now.
 
C

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
29,083
Re: Long Shaft -vs- Short Shaft

Measure from the transom clamp to the antiventilation plate. 20 " is longshaft, 15" is shortshaft. You can also measure teh boat's transom height.
 
ddrieck

ddrieck

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 12, 2007
Messages
674
Re: Long Shaft -vs- Short Shaft

Just measured and mine is a long shaft. So, its off to ebay to look for a replacement. Thanks for the measurments

Darren
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top