Honda 15hp, Need to convert sailboat long-shaft...

[frustratedboater]

Gentleman,
I'd like to convert my dad's sailboat Honda 15hp, long-shaft over to a 'shorter' shaft motor. Model number: BAAU, SER #1000135...94' / 97'??? (not sure on the year). I'm trying to swap it for a 9.9 for my duck boat, but it is the wrong time of year to sell!

It currently is a 28" length including the 5-3/4" spacer, so I am assuming that I would need a 22-1/4" shaft length, along with the water tube & shift rod. I haven't dropped the unit, but given my experience with Evin/John's, I am assuming that is the length on those items that I will need for this motor.

I have searched high & dry for used stuff, but these motor last, so I am coming up short on used parts. I'd love to locate these items for this motor an convert it over.

Does anyone have any decent resources, or ideas to make the conversion? I don't want to spend an arm & a leg on this. Another option would be to trade the motor for a short-shaft. I would appreciate your comments...

~FB~

 

[64osby]

Trade for what you need would work.

Another option would be to make a jack plate that would get the prop to the right height. Might be the least expensive route.

What is the height of your transom?

 

[isaksp00]

I'd look to trade or sell then buy. If yours is like my 8HP from about '91, you'd have to shorten or replace the drive shaft, shift rod and water tube. Can't see how you could shorten the drive shaft as it has a spline machined into the top end. The shift rod (at least on mine) is threaded at the top for the shift lever linkage attachment to screw on. I suppose you might be able to cut the tube shorter. Don't know where to buy parts, other than just to search for "honda outboard parts". The store on this site might have them, but the engine may be worth more in its current configuration than trying to buy the parts.

 

[frustratedboater]

Yeah, I had been trying to sell and had a few bites, but no one has pulled the trigger. I lowered the price on CL to $800, including batt. and fuel tank.. I think it's a fair price...??

My transom measures 15" and I would have to raise my transom, or install a jack plate that is at least 10" higher than my current configuration to make it work. Price-wise, that is the way to go... I'm not really sure that is the best option, although, I'd love the motor to be on it, practically, don't think I'd be the best fit. I have a 12' LOWE duck boat...

 

[flyingscott]

Have you tried ebay for the parts needed

 

[jbcurt00]

A 28in motor would be a tough sell here, no matter the season, but really tough headed into winter.

I think I'd be looking for blown power head motors to rob all the parts you can to make this change. Maybe get lucky and find a short shaft model.

Removing the 6in +/- spacer still leaves you a huge 7in difference between your 15in transom and the hope to be modified to a 22in motor....

Thats not likely to run well, no matter how you set it up. Several topics deal w 15in transoms and 20in motors. None I can recall worked very well w out tons of water spray everywhere w less then favorable performance. Jack plates, setback plates and modified raised transoms have all been tried....

The mid section would need to be replaced to get a 20in motor, and even then your still stuck w a short transom and a long motor.....

Good luck in your quest

 

[fhhuber]

Yeah, I had been trying to sell and had a few bites, but no one has pulled the trigger. I lowered the price on CL to $800, including batt. and fuel tank.. I think it's a fair price...??

My transom measures 15" and I would have to raise my transom, or install a jack plate that is at least 10" higher than my current configuration to make it work. Price-wise, that is the way to go... I'm not really sure that is the best option, although, I'd love the motor to be on it, practically, don't think I'd be the best fit. I have a 12' LOWE duck boat...

You are correct that its better to get the right motor.

I could come up with an adapter jack plate system that would work, but its not going to be as simple as just nailing some 2x4's to a hunk of plywood.... and it would mean 4 holes in the transom to bolt it on. (something to be avoided) plus 2 in the seat for the support braces. The tiller handle would be WAY high making it less convenient for operating the boat.
and... it would look really strange.

Just too many reasons NOT to adapt the transom height....

 

[Sea Rider]

That seems a 25" XL model, if not wanting to install a 10" engine mount on transom, try that XL straight and check at planing speed where and how much water over or back transom is produced if any. Will depend entirely where is water flow hitting by at speed as there are some extra small water deflector plates above anticav plate to deflect water spray.

Can fabricate a extra water deflector plate and glue it at upper tail where the splash is produced. I know, more leg drag and prop riding deeper, but if planing or wot speed is not an issue you can live with it and boat happily.

Happy Boating

 

[frustratedboater]

No Title

Hear is your advice in action. I basically epoxied and pressed three 3/4 pieces of plywood and allowed to set. bolted it to the back of the transom and mounted the motor. I ruffed up the dying Honda silver and gave it a camo look. Gave it a try and runs great! It kind of looks like pro-mod boat. The tiller height is not that bad being 6'1". I saved a bunch of "$$$" going this route and made the long shaft work.. It works for me and am able to keep my dads motor--from sailing to duck hunting! Not sure if he'd approve... Thanks!!