Outboard Shaft size help

[daddiodave]

I have to repower due to a blown cylinder. The motor that I am replacing (25" shaft") was on the boat when I bought it. I always felt that it was too short because I would always suffer ventilation (suck air) even with the slightest waves. Check out the photo and you can see that the cavitation plate is about 5 inches above the bottom of the hull. Do you think I need a 30" shaft? Worst case scenario is I can always raise the 30" if Ihave to where I couldn't' do that with the 25" since it was on the last hole.

 

[flyingscott]

That motor looks more like a 20" shaft. How did you measure it?

 

[daddiodave]

From the top where it mounts to bracket down to cavitation plate. It's definitely 25" because I have ordered parts for the lower unit a few times

 

[mr 88]

From the angle of the picture and your info I would say that you need the 30" shaft , could always take it to a dealer to verify. Surprised it didn't overheat as the water pickup on the lower appears to be on the fine line of not picking up water due to its height.

 

[daddiodave]

From the angle of the picture and your info I would say that you need the 30" shaft , could always take it to a dealer to verify. Surprised it didn't overheat as the water pickup on the lower appears to be on the fine line of not picking up water due to its height.

Could be why I blew a cylinder.
Plus the engine would constantly ventilate with certain wakes. I would have to come off the throttle completely and take off again.
I am buying a used motor. If I get the 30", I can always raise it a hole or two if I have to. With the 25", I was on the very top hole with no more room to lower it