johnson 28spl longshaft pros and cons

[rcfn43]

I have a 1987 Johnson 28spl long shaft pushing a 15 ft. Tom boy bass boat. The motor has a 01 20 prop on it right now. The problem I'm having is that without someone in the front of the boat it will not stay on plane. I was told that I need to put a 17 or 15 prop on the motor and this would remedy my problem. Can someone tell me if this problem has anything to do with it being a long shaft and if so would I be wasting my money buying a different prop?

 

[Daviet]

Re: johnson 28spl longshaft pros and cons

As long as the transom of the boat is for a long shaft engine you are OK.
I guess I can't relate to the problem of not staying on plane without someone in the front of the boat, dows the bow go up high in the air?

 

[rcfn43]

Re: johnson 28spl longshaft pros and cons

Thanks for the help, Yes the bow goes up but not real high . To be more specific, @ WOT with someone toward the bow the boat will plane out and run about 22 mph, If the person @ the bow moves aft we lose plane and the boat kinda plows thru the water @ about 8 mph.

I don't think this transom is designed for a long shaft, how can I confirm this?