long or short shaft?

[tomwassmer]

I would like to repower my 1965 Larson 16 All American. How do I know whether it takes a long or short shaft outboard and if I find an engine, how do I find out what it is?

 

[JB]

Re: long or short shaft?

Measure the VERTICAL distance from the top of the transom to the keel for transom height, Tom.

Measure the distance from the inside of the transom "clamp" to the anti-ventilation plate for approximate shaft length.

Many engine model numbers include a code for shaft length.

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: long or short shaft?

We would like to see a photo of your 1965 Larson 16 All American.​

 

[tomwassmer]

Re: long or short shaft?

JB, thank you for your response. Once I get the transom height, how do I then know what engine shaft length would be good?

studlymandingo, I'll take some pics and send them to you. You will see that one of the biggest problems with the boat is the windshield. Any ideas?

 

[JB]

Re: long or short shaft?

Shaft length should be the same (or close) as transom height, Tom.

"Short" shafts are about 15".
"Long" shafts are about 20".
"Extra long" shafts are about 25".

When actually mounting the engine its vertical position ("X" dimension) is adjustable within a moderate range that should allow you to set the anti-vent plate even with the keel to about 1" higher.

Good luck.

 

[tomwassmer]

Re: long or short shaft?

Got it. Thank you!