How long is a long shaft?

[Ryan Puckett]

Simply put: How long is a long shaft....on an outboard? From what two points are the measurements derived? Thank you.
Ryan
sojourner
Chicago



Digistill@aol.com

[bill willis]

Simply put: How long is a long shaft....on an outboard? From what two points are the measurements derived? Thank you.
Ryan
sojourner
Chicago

Hi Ryan,
"Long shaft" on an outboard refers to what is basically the transom height. It's the measurement from top of the boat's transon to the water..in the case of cape dorys it's from the top of the outboard mounting bracket in motor well to water. On the outboard motor the transom height is measured from the point where motor clamping brackets touch the transom to the anticativation plate(the horizontal plate just above the propellor on the lower unit). The typical measurement for a long shaft is 20" vs the standard shaft of 15". There are extra long shafts on some models at 25". These measurements may vary with different brands/models- for instance Johnson and Evinrude are 15" and 20" (standard and long respectfully) while Hondas measure approx. 17.5" and 22.5". You may want to check old messages on this board for some advice/theories on CD25s and use of a standard vs long shaft. While most owners use a long shaft some have opted for the standard. The advantage of the standard shaft is slightly less weight and smaller unit allows for easier handling and storage (in cockpit lockers). Since the motor well design on cape Dorys situates the motor mount bracket low (with minor modification) at least one owner on this board, as I recall, has had good results with a standard shaft. To go to old messages for info on the subject type in a key word like "outboard". Regards, bill




wawillis@shore.intercom.net