[jd8251]

I have a 1983 Evinrude Model E140TRLCTE with a 20 inch shaft. The motor was completely rebuilt when I bought it and it runs great. The only issue I have now is that with a 3 bladed prop installed it cavitates BAD when starting out or turning. My prop guy told me the only fix was to put a 4 bladed prop on it. I did that and that fixed the cavitation problem (mostly), but now the motor RPM's take a while to spool up when giving it the gas from a stop, which of course affects how long it takes to get the boat on plane...IE: when trying to pull a skier up I end up dragging the skier through the water instead of pulling them up quickly.
I think the real problem is the shaft length. The cavitation plate is right at the bottom of the boat, but since the boat is all aluminum it has a shallow draft (about a foot). All of this add's up to my question....can I convert this motor to a long shaft, and if so, is there a kit available somewhere to do the conversion? The transom on my boat is about 22 inches.

[tashasdaddy]

it sounds like you need to lower the motor rather than raise it. what boat is the motor on?

[jd8251]

Its on a 1999 SeaArk FunStation deck boat. I can't lower the motor any further since the mounting bracket is on the top of the transom already. I don't want to raise the motor. The long shaft should get the prop deeper in the water and fix the cavitation problems with the three bladed prop...I think.

[Chinewalker]

A lower pitch prop would improve your hole shot. Something with a good cup would help hold the bite...

[jd8251]

I found an extension kit locally but not sure if its going to have the desired effect. Don't want to waste $200. Any advice out there?