Can you run a long shaft outboard on a short transom? Is a recurring question most boat lovers ask. The height of a boat’s transom can have a big effect. Whether you’re in a fishing boat, pontoon boat, or speedboat, boating is always a great time. More boats will hit the water as summer draws closer. A reverse transom that is too high can harm the motor’s propellers and bracket. The propellers will have a difficult time reaching the water. If the boat’s transom is too low, the motor can submerge. This would not be helpful.
If you want to put a long shaft outboard on your boat, but the transom isn’t deep enough, what can you do? If you have an outboard boat that has a short transom, and you’d like to hang a long shaft motor on it, how can you make it work?
Can you run a long shaft outboard on a short transom?
Yes, you can! As long as the boat is not too short, you can run a long shaft outboard on a short transom. The most important thing to remember is that you need to make sure that the height of the propeller is at least 1-1/2 inches above your waterline.
You may also want to consider adding a chain guide or fairlead so that you can easily move the prop forward and backward without having to lift it from the water.
Most outboards have a long shaft for the motor mount. This is designed to be mounted on an extended transom and allow for more room to mount the motor. The short transom doesn’t require this extra room, so you can install a short shaft outboard on it.
Can I use a long shaft outboard on a 15 transom?
Yes you can use a long shaft outboard on a 15 transom, but it is important that the propeller has enough clearance (around 5 inches or more) below the boat. You also want to make sure that the propeller shaft is aligned properly with the propeller blade.
Why does your boat transom needs to be the right height?
The boater must completely comprehend the relevance of the transom’s height.
The size of the outboard motor is determined by the height of the boat’s transom. The boat is propelled by the motor, hence the two are interdependent.
A boat’s transom’s height can have a significant impact. An excessively high reverse transom can damage the motor’s propellers and the motor bracket. It will be difficult for the propellers to get to the water. The motor may submerge if the boat’s transom is too low. This would not be advantageous.
Can I use a long shaft outboard on an inflatable boat?
Yes, you can use a long shaft outboard on an inflatable boat. There are several advantages to using a long shaft outboard on an inflatable boat. These include greater power, stability and maneuverability which are important when operating in waters in which the hull must be kept flat or even curved.
Can you run a long shaft outboard on a short transom without adding a spacer?
Yes, you can run a long shaft outboard on a short transom without adding a spacer. This is because the length of the shaft’s waterline will be even with the waterline of your pontoon boat. The depth of the engine on this pontoon is different from that on an inboard configuration, and therefore so is the location of the waterline relative to it.
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Will running a long shaft outboard on a short transom affect performance?
Running a long shaft outboard on a short transom will not affect your performance as long as you make sure that the wind is right for the boat. If you have a 5-meter or smaller powerboat, the long shafts are fine (and can even provide increased performance). In general, however, if you do not have a quiet aluminum or fiberglass hull with nice bow seas coming in from the sides, then consider going with a Z drive and surf fins.
How do I run a long shaft outboard on a short transom?
Running a Long shaft outboard on a short transom can be done with some special bridging arrangements in the oiling system and engine compartment. Because of the angles involved in mounting the engine driveshaft, there are several things to consider when putting this two or three-cylinder arrangement together. First, you have to decide if you want a tranny or manual shift. The longer shaft must then be bent around the front gearcase area for transmission fitment and steering needs.
Is it safe to run a long shaft outboard on a short transom?
It is not at all safe to run a long shaft outboard on a short transom. In fact, the long shaft should not be used at all! However, on those rare occasions when you do run a long shaft outboard on a short transom, make sure the shaft extends past the sill and that there are no obstacles in front of your boat that could interfere with their functioning (say other boats).
What are the ways to use a long shaft outboard on a short transom?
You have several options to choose from when adding a long shaft outboard motor to a short transom boat. There are three ways to use achieve this. These are:
- The first is to add an extension bracket to the bottom of the transom.
- The second is to add a jack plate.
- The third is to raise the motor up on the transom with adjustable outboard motor mount risers.
The pros and cons of properly mounting the outboard motor to the transom
It’s crucial to mount the outboard motor in accordance with industry regulations. However, there might be instances where a boater deviates from these suggestions.
One thing to think about is how this might impact the boat’s overall performance. Here, we examine how standard, lower, and higher mounting affect things.
Is standard mounting is always best for the beginner?
Of course, while selecting the greatest boat engine, it’s better to stick with conventional wisdom.
Most engines’ anti-ventilation plates are typically positioned such that they are parallel to the vessel’s bottom. The angle between the propeller shaft and the bottom of the vessel is used to measure this.
The outboard is equipped with mounting brackets and holes. To allow the boater to make modifications, these are vertically aligned.
There are always exceptions to the rule, as with anything. Please speak with a marine engine dealer about the boat design if you decide to make changes.
Is lower mounting bad for the beginning boater?
In a lower installation, the engine is lowered below the advised level. This could lead to negative consequences. Lower motor mounting on the transom of the boat may result in excessive spray, increased case drag, decreased underwater clearance, and adverse effects on faster boats.
Additionally, it reduces speed and fuel economy. This can limit your ability to move about on the boat trailer. Future boat repairs may be necessary if the motor hangs low during transportation on the boat trailer.
To determine if your outboard motor is mounted at the ideal height, perform a quick test. Start the vehicle with the engine at idle, then trim it out by half to full trim. Safely accelerate in a quick manner. The motor is set too low if the propeller cannot breathe. In some circumstances, a lower mount might be acceptable. Some fishing boats can manage with the motor submerged. However, it is not advised for novice boaters to do this.
Is higher mounting the most complex?
Professionals should make higher mounting decisions. If not enough water is sent to the engine to keep it cool, one of the biggest worries is that the engine would overheat.
The boater must also take into account if the transom support can handle the weight of a higher mount. Nobody wants to need to make repairs to a boat or a new transom.
Boaters who opt for a higher mount may notice faster speeds. It can also make operating a faster boat more enjoyable.
The demand for speed is fueled by increased RPM and more horsepower. When choosing whether to raise the mount, this could be enough to balance the drawbacks.
A higher mount has the drawback of potentially obstructing the boater’s ability to navigate.
All things considered, beginners are best served by adhering to industry standards. Always consider the hazards of making changes.
Can you run a long shaft outboard on a short transom? – Summary.
In summary, just as answered earlier, Yes, you can! As long as the boat is not too short, you can run a long shaft outboard on a short transom. The most important thing to remember is that you need to make sure that the height of the propeller is at least 1-1/2 inches above your waterline. Please revisit the top paragraph for further explanation.
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