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Short shaft -vs- long

Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2007 3:52 pm
by BANKERTVT
Besides the obvious... What is the difference between the short shaft engines and long? What would one recommend with a 12 ft TVT Hydro or runabout? Im looking to purchase a vintage Evinrude or Johnson and want to be sure I have the correct shaft. **THANKS**

Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2007 5:06 pm
by Phill Blank
The diference is the length of the leg of the motor. Older boat generally used the shot shaft motor. Best is to measure the transom height from where the motor mounts to the keel. Short shaft motors would be used on boats with at transom of approximately 15 inches in height. Long shaft moters would be used on transom of around 20 inches in height.
If you are looking for a general recreational runabout like the Super Deluxe Runabouts or a simular boat, then you most likely will need a short shaft.

You mentioned a hydro or runabout, if it is a racing hydro-plane or racing untility craft runabout you are talking about. You should be looking for a racing engine. These where a breed of their own and had special length legs and where geared for speed and had direct drive (no reverse or nutral).

I hope this answered your question.

Good Luck!

Phill