Long shaft vs. Short Shaft

[trapshooter]

I am looking at getting an outboard motor.
What are the differences between long and short shaft. Can I put either one on?

[huntsfurfish]

5":)

[pikergolf]

5", your boat will either have a 15 or 20 in transom height, for small boats 14' and under 15" is more common. A 15" motor will not work on a 20" transom as the motor won't be below the boat, not sure about the other way but would seem to cause problems as well, with the prop to low. The long shaft refers to the 20" leg, and short shaft refers to the 15" leg.

[huntsfurfish]

:)short shaft 15" on a 20" transom very poor performance.

On a cartopper either would work but if you bought 1 to use as a kicker for a larger boat and also use it on a cartopper go with the 20"

More to follow:)

[BeeGuy]

I have a long shaft.

Works for me.

No experience with a short shaft, sorry.

[trapshooter]

I have a long shaft.

Works for me.

No experience with a short shaft, sorry.

what do you have it on?

[BeeGuy]

its on the back of the canoe

[FishingFrenzy]

Get a boat first, then get the motor. Get the motor to match your boat. There's instructions online for measuring your transom and then getting the proper shaft motor. Just do a quick google search.

[Mayhem]

Saw your other post about the boat you are considering. I prefer the 15" transom/short leg on a tiller that size, I find having the stick down lower more comfortable for longer runs and operation in general (as long as your seat isn't too close). A set of Wave Wackers will keep you dry when backtrolling.

Just my 0.02

[RavYak]

As others have mentioned you want to match up the shaft length to transom depth. The following site has a good explanation of measurement.

http://www.onlineoutboards.com/Help.html?Question=Shaft-Length

And to keep with the theme, bigger is better. A shaft that is too short will give more problems then having one that is too long.

[billycap]

I bought a shorty for my 12ft (tinner 6 horse tohatsu). Then i tried mounting it on my landing craft as a spare/trolling motor for my extended back country trips.. no go on that. Id say go with the long shaft that way if u ever get a different boat it will fit on just about anything.