I understand that if the transom to bottom of boat is 15" you need a short shaft. 20" a long shaft. I have a 1978 starcraft seafarer. The top of transom to the bottom of boat =17".
Do I use a short or long shaft outboard?
Just to clarify.
If the transom is raked(angled) then the demension is longer measured along the transom than if you measure down at a right angle to the keel.
If I measure down at a straight angle, it is 17". I'm not counting the keel. The boat has a somewhat deep V. Should I take the keel into consideration at all?
Seems like used short shaft motors are more common. I'm having a hard time finding the long shaft @ 9.9 HP.