1954 Evinrude Fleetwin 7.5 HP Longshaft to Shortshaft Conversion

mew

Cadet
Joined
Mar 10, 2013
Messages
16
Hi all,

I have a longshaft 7.5 Fleetwin (with a spacer) that I'm running on a Grumman Sport Boat with a short transom. The boat gets up on a plane as is, but water sprays everywhere and I suspect performance could be better. I'm also running in 3 - 4 ft deep water, and a short shaft would provide some insurance against hitting rocks. The cavitation plate is 6.5 inches below the bottom of the transom.

A mechanic quoted me $180 for parts and another $80 for labor, which seems like a lot considering I paid $300 for the motor. I believe all I'd need is a new shift rod, drive shaft, and water tube. So my question is: is this really what it should cost to take the spacer out and shortshaft it? If so, I'm wondering if I should just live with the long shaft as is. Maybe the performance increase won't be that noticeable. All opinions are welcome. Thanks in advance!
 
Last edited:

F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,224
Re: 1954 Evinrude Fleetwin 7.5 HP Longshaft to Shortshaft Conversion

What you paid for the motor really doesn't matter when it comes to buying parts, does it? Except for your willingness to pay that is. Well, anyhow, the $80 labor is about right, maybe even on the low side. $180 parts...I haven't looked up the prices, but probably. However, you can do a lot better with used parts and do the job yourself. I may have a shaft and shift rod. Send me a PM if you want me to look.
 

mew

Cadet
Joined
Mar 10, 2013
Messages
16
Re: 1954 Evinrude Fleetwin 7.5 HP Longshaft to Shortshaft Conversion

PM sent. Thanks!
 

Daviet

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Sep 24, 2008
Messages
8,958
Re: 1954 Evinrude Fleetwin 7.5 HP Longshaft to Shortshaft Conversion

You could put a jack plate on the transom to raise the engine up.
 
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