outboard 4hp for sailboat

[wilbur-john]

I have an 18ft chrysler buccaneer, long shaft of short saft will be best for it.

 

[dakk1]

Re: outboard 4hp for sailboat

I have an 18ft Sunburst that I use a 14hp Evinrude long shaft on. I think a short shaft would be too short, at least for my boat.<br /><br />Dave..

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: outboard 4hp for sailboat

The longer the shaft, the better on a sailboat in my opinion since the engine wants to come out of the water when the boat heels or rolls the wrong way, and in certain wave conditions when it's way out on the bracket. But I think the Buccaneer was set up to use a short shaft with the bracket. <br /><br />My brother's boat is set up (foolishly IMO) to use a short-shaft outboard. With the longshaft, we were able to raise the bracket a couple inches and get the outboard more out of the water when it is tilted up. Now it doesn't drag when heeled over.

 

[wilbur-john]

Re: outboard 4hp for sailboat

I have a long shaft Merc 4hp, I've already made a new wood bracket out of mahogany 2" higher than the mount, it looks like it will do a much better job.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: outboard 4hp for sailboat

I did the exact same thing. Funny, it's the exact same engine too.

 

[wilbur-john]

Re: outboard 4hp for sailboat

thanks for the input.