Extra-long shaft for motor well CD

[Kemah]

I'm wondering if anyone with an outboard well has used or is thinking of using a 25" shaft motor. If so, does the extra length help keep the prop in the water in rough or following seas? Are there any other advantages? How about possible drawbacks?

Thanks!

[JimL]

I had the 25" shaft Yamaha in my CD26 and never aired the prop. Now I have the 20" Tohatsu and haven't been able to air the prop (only had it in rough stuff a couple times). It seems if the conditions are strong, I'm under sail offshore. In the harbor, when the wind is up, the waves aren't very big.

I think your main consideration is what your true motoring conditions will be. Do you have a very long distance to motor in rough water, or is your harbor pretty well protected like mine?

The disadvantages to the long motor proved to be difficult removal and service, and quite a bit more drag while sailing (it puts a stopped prop in some "deep" water). I notice that the closest the prop gets to the surface is when I'm under sail....which is good!

If you don't think the depth of the prop matters (for drag or drive), try one of the Hobie Mirage Drive kayaks (I've got a few). For max speed or acceleration they MUST be short stroked with the fins nearly vertical beneath the boat. As the fins near the surface, the pedal pressure (and thrust) disappears!

Hope this gives you some help in your decision.
Regards, JimL

[winthrop fisher]

I'm wondering if anyone with an outboard well has used or is thinking of using a 25" shaft motor. If so, does the extra length help keep the prop in the water in rough or following seas? Are there any other advantages? How about possible drawbacks?

Thanks!

[winthrop fisher]

I'm wondering if anyone with an outboard well has used or is thinking of using a 25" shaft motor. If so, does the extra length help keep the prop in the water in rough or following seas? Are there any other advantages? How about possible drawbacks?

Thanks!

[Kemah]

Winthrop, that's a good questions. JimL's posting was extremely helpful and detailed. It sounds as if drag will be a factor with the 25 inch shaft. My motor is mainly used for getting in and out of a harbor channel, where there's typically a brisk wind and following sea going back in. But it doesn't take too long in and out of the harbor. I notice on the other current posting about motors for CD 25s that you have professional knowledge in this area. Any more thoughts? I've pretty much decided on the 6 hp Tohatsu/Nissan engine. It's for a Ty Sr by the way. I've heard only good things about the performance of this engine (and it'll fit in my motor well).

[Kemah]

Winthrop, that's a good questions. JimL's posting was extremely helpful and detailed. It sounds as if drag will be a factor with the 25 inch shaft. My motor is mainly used for getting in and out of a harbor channel, where there's typically a brisk wind and following sea going back in. But it doesn't take too long in and out of the harbor. I notice on the other current posting about motors for CD 25s that you have professional knowledge in this area. Any more thoughts? I've pretty much decided on the 6 hp Tohatsu/Nissan engine. It's for a Ty Sr by the way. I've heard only good things about the performance of this engine (and it'll fit in my motor well).