70 HP Shortshaft to Longshaft

[MAGNUM21]

So I just got a Gregor 186 with a tall transom on the back. Originally it had a jet outdrive on the boat and different motor. When I got it it came with a 1980 Evinrude short shaft. I either need to modify the transom go with some kind of a b bracket off the back that lowers and extends the motor far enough away I can still tilt it forward or convert what I have to a long shaft. Any thoughts on this? How will it be to find the parts to convert it to a long Shaft or some kind of kit? Thanks in advance.

 

[flyingscott]

Sell the shortshaft and buy a long shaft. The shortshaft motor uses a smaller lower unit that is designed for very light boats. The shortshaft is desireable to some people.

 

[Chinewalker]

The short shaft 3-cylinders are VERY desirable. Worth a bit more than their 20-inch brethren.

 

[jimmbo]

The 1980 70hp was only available as a long shaft. The 1980 75hp had short and long shaft versions with the different gear cases

 

[MAGNUM21]

Well fellas maybe I am misspeaking, I measured it right about at 20in and I was thinking I was about 6 inches away from a long shaft at that. My transom is almost 28 in tall probably for the original jet drive.

 

[MAGNUM21]

Although I don't have an applicable picture with the motor down right now...I know pictures are crucial to a forum like this and offer this up right now.

 

[flyingscott]

Your motor is a long shaft already. You may need a 25" shaft for your boat you may need a different motor altogether.

 

[MAGNUM21]

[No message]

 

[MAGNUM21]

Man I thought I knew something about boats, LOL. So if I'm gathering information right there is short shafts, long shafts, and longer shafts?

 

[racerone]

Post some pictures of the midsection .----Post a picture of the model # plate.

 

[jimmbo]

The cowl is a 79

 

[flyingscott]

Post #6 clearly shows a long shaft 20" motor. Post a pic of the motor trimmed all tje way down.

 

[Vic.S]

Well fellas maybe I am misspeaking, I measured it right about at 20in and I was thinking I was about 6 inches away from a long shaft at that. My transom is almost 28 in tall probably for the original jet drive.

If your transom is 28" high even an extra long shaft (25") motor will not be not be long enough without cutting down the transom.

30" ( X-X long) shaft motors do exist but I have no idea in what HP ranges

 

[MAGNUM21]

I really appreciate all the responses. I will take and include the requested pictures this evening. I can tell you that when the motor is down all the way the bottom of the transom is level with the center of the prop. I agree that I will have to modify the transom by three or four inches anyway... unless I go a little different Direction with an offshore bracket off the back. At this point I almost hate to go with another motor knowing how well this one runs and the fact that they are such a well reputed motor.

 

[MAGNUM21]

Well I am quickly leaning toward welding an offshore bracket on the back of the boat to accommodate this motor. Now my concern with that is that it is not a Power Tilt / trim. What are the odds that I would find a power tilt trim for this boat without having to give up my first born?

 

[racerone]

Depends on your area.-----Many trim / tilt systems available for less than $400.-----Or a complete parts motor for even less.

 

[Chinewalker]

Is your boat sole built to accommodate a jet of some sort? I would think it would be easier to cut the transom down to a standard 20-inch height before I'd go through the trouble of trying to make up a bracket... You'll be cutting holes in the transom as it is to route steering and control cables....

 

[jimmbo]

Post a picture, from the side, taken level(not pointing up or down), preferably at the level of the hull bottom, with the engine down to where the propshaft/antiventilation plate is parallel with the bottom of the hull

 

[MAGNUM21]

Here you go...with some treasures in the background as well!

Yeah if I was at a 25 inch shaft I could easily bring myself to cut 3 inches off the transom no problem. But I hate hacking 8 in off of such a seaworthy boat (even with a proper draining splash well installed)... this thing will likely see Cooks Inlet in the next few years and one of our local lakes has pretty legendary waves that I like to visit also.

 

[racerone]

You might be able to find a 5" extension kit in aftermarket.------Will turn your motor into an EXTRA long shaft from just a longshaft.. ---Bay manufacturing-----Google it.