89 Ev 15 short to long.

[cemiiii]

I own a great running 89 2 stroke 15hp Evinrude short shaft. I really need a long shaft for a trolling motor/kicker on new 22 boat. I know mine is in great shape. but my transom is about 19" where the kicker would go.

Looking for advice on best option to pursue:

1.Buy an extension kit.

2.Sell and purchase a long shaft.

3.Buy a long shaft 9.9 or 15 and swap the lower units, then sell the short.
I think probably anything from late 70's to 92 in 9.9 or 15 johnson or evinrude might be a candidate for #3.

4.Sell and buy a lower priced new small, like 6-8hp 4 stroke maybe a Nissan, to save on fuel costs.

I'm fairly handy with lower unit mechanics. Short and long term economics are both important. Moving a 3000# flat bottom load at displacement speed (1-5mph) will be almost it's entire function.

Any ideas on the best course to choose from the pro's considering a $4 fuel world? or do i just keep searching for the best deal that works. In other words what would you do?


chris

 

[iwombat]

Re: 89 Ev 15 short to long.

Why not just go with a drop-down kicker bracket? For the kicker you're not really worried about the offset from keel, just that the intakes are wet. Mark where the water line comes when the boat isn't planing. I'll bet the short shaft will work fine. A scissor-type kicker bracket that drops it into the water will probably get it plenty wet.

 

[igor1955]

Re: 89 Ev 15 short to long.

Chris,

I have similar issue with my Mercury 6HP outboard. I have the drop down kicker bracket that iwombat suggested.

It does work; however, it has a issue that I am trying to resolve. When you drop the motor down to the proper level, the steering handle is below the rim of the boat. You have to angle the handle at a very steep angle to steer. It is awkward, but works.

I would also like to add the extension kit; but, am now told that it is not available for the 15 inch version.

Igor

 

[Yamauser]

Re: 89 Ev 15 short to long.

I have the opposite problem than Chris. I have a 98 Evinrude 9.9 Four Stroke. It was a kicker motor and is too long for the skiff I would like to put on. As Chris asked, would it be worth the trouble and expense to convert it or should I look to trade it. Chris if you lived near Delaware, we could talk a swap.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 89 Ev 15 short to long.

I have the opposite problem than Chris. I have a 98 Evinrude 9.9 Four Stroke. It was a kicker motor and is too long for the skiff I would like to put on. As Chris asked, would it be worth the trouble and expense to convert it or should I look to trade it. Chris if you lived near Delaware, we could talk a swap.

I've seen a couple of ads on Craig's list looking to swap lower units and extensions. I don't know if they found a match, but it seems like a good idea. With a 98 model, though, you might not find as many takers...there aren't as many of those around as earlier models.

 

[jtexas]

Re: 89 Ev 15 short to long.

...When you drop the motor down to the proper level, the steering handle is below the rim of the boat. You have to angle the handle at a very steep angle to steer. It is awkward, but works.

can you not just fix the motor on a heading dead ahead, and use the main engine as a rudder?

 

[acke61]

Re: 89 Ev 15 short to long.

i have a 1989 rude 15 with a long shaft extension, you can tell because the one 5 inch peice in the middle is a different shade of color. i actually need a short shaft because my boat has a short transom. if its not too hard to take it apart or whatever maybe we could work something out...