How does short shaft as opposed to long shaft affect handling.

[sandmanmike1]

I have a old 50's starcraft falcon aluminum 14.5 boat. It came with 2 motors. A 1963 merc300 short shaft and a johnson 40 hp long shaft. What motor would be best. Most old starcrafts i seen have johnsons but not sure of shaft length

 

[DJ]

Re: How does short shaft as opposed to long shaft affect handling.

sandman,<br /><br />A long shaft motor on a short transom boat can cause some handling issues. In contrast, a short shaft motor on a long shaft transom will cavitate and may not get the proper cooling water.<br /><br />Measure the transom of the boat. Measure from the top of the transom to the bottom of the boat, in the center. If it's a long shaft transom, it will be around 20". A short shaft, around 15".

 

[mabbott]

Re: How does short shaft as opposed to long shaft affect handling.

The cavitation plate on the lower unit should be level with the bottom of the hull.