Short Shaft vs Long Shaft

[Deano]

Can you run a long shaft motor on a boat with a 15" Transom? I want to run a Honda 35HP Four Stroke Long Shaft 20" on an older Lund S-16 Aluminum Boat with a 15" transom. The boat is rated for a max of 35HP however that was in 1983 and the motor is a 1994 Four Stroke which is a lot heavier than the old 2 stroke 35's. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Short Shaft vs Long Shaft

Can you? Yes, is it advisable? No. Lots more drag (decrease in efficiency, negating some of that 4-stroke advantage), greater chance of hitting bottom, and good chance the motor will throw water into the boat. Plus, the extra weight of the 4-stroke may sit the boat lower in the water, causing problems when backing up.

From a strength standpoint, the transom is solid, it should easily handle the extra weight. Lots of those boats out there with a 50-60 lb. kicker sitting beside the main motor without a problem, except as mentioned above with the water coming over the transom when backing up.

It's not hard to add a lift bracket, or build up the transom. My Dad built one up years ago using eight pieces of angle-iron, four on each side, bolted vertically through the transom and extending above it by 5-inches. This allowed him to put an extension board on top of the old one, running a bead of caulk between them to seal the seam. Worked well and was removeable when he wanted to go back to the short shaft after his long shaft motor blew up....
- Scott

 

[sdunt]

Re: Short Shaft vs Long Shaft

It has been done.. I can not find the pictures right now. Generaly using angle iron, alluminum plate, or similar people have added a wooden 2 x 6 on top of the current transom.

Other info.. Save the $$$$$ and go get a good used Chrysler 35 2 cycle and that boat will fly..

 

[Deano]

Re: Short Shaft vs Long Shaft

Thanks for the info. If one was to build up the transom is there anywhere a guy could purchase a new transom edge to cap off the entire width of the new built up transom?

 

[sdunt]

Re: Short Shaft vs Long Shaft

you didn't say you wanted this to be pretty.. in that case, you need a MIG welder and aircraft aluminum and ......

tacomarine is one source for those types of extrusions..http://www.tacomarine.com/cat--Aluminum--cat_aluminum_trim.html

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Short Shaft vs Long Shaft

just put a jack plate on it. and fabricate a splashwell.

 

[hitace]

Re: Short Shaft vs Long Shaft

It has been done.. I can not find the pictures right now. Generaly using angle iron, alluminum plate, or similar people have added a wooden 2 x 6 on top of the current transom.

Other info.. Save the $$$$$ and go get a good used Chrysler 35 2 cycle and that boat will fly..

I'm quoting here "i sold 9 diff outboards over the years and they all had something in common they would start on the first try when new.accept alot of the Chrysler/force"the person who stated this was in the new post section i cant rember which member it was.

i would not take the advise of getting a old Chrysler or force they had alot of problems and they were NOT build for speed the 90 hp's only had little 3 cylinders in them.