It does not store any personal data. on How to Measure Outboard Shaft Length: The Only Guide You Need, ePropulsion vs Torqeedo: An All-Round Comparison, 55 lb Thrust Trolling Motors: All You Need to Know Before Purchase, Spot Lock Trolling Motor: Is It Worth It & Best Options in 2022, Wiring 24V Trolling Motors: 24 Volt Wiring Diagram (with Video), LiFePO4 Battery: Why Lithium iron Phosphate Batteries Are Your Best Options in 2022, Minn Kota vs MotorGuide: Best Option in 2022. Mounting kicker motor - General Discussion Forum | In-Depth Outdoors Beefier jack plates can be fitted should a boater be looking to mount an outboard with a shorter shaft than their transom demands. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Gear case sits just below or at the hull depth due to the deep v. Boats with extended transoms, brackets that extend the mounting bracket for the outboard motor behind the back of the boat, can use a higher outboard height. actually have the propshaft above the pad.). Displacement hulled vessels like sailboats and workboats can benefit from a little more space between the hull and cavitation plate, but not much. To measure your outboard motor shaft length, measure from the bottom of the mounting bracket where it rests on the transom to the top of the cavitation plate, this is the horizontal surface of the lower unit immediately above the propeller. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Extra-extra long shafts are 30-inches long. For slower boats, its less critical to. The average transom angle is around 14 degrees. xmlHttp.setRequestHeader('Content-Type', 'application/json'); Chances are the boat was designed with a specific size of outboard in mind. Among them will be first-timers or those who have recently purchased their boats. As a dealer I run into this situation from time to time, which is fine but getting the right length outboard for your boat is crucial. However, there may be times when a boater strays away from these recommendations. Charles Plueddeman is Boats.com's outboard, trailer, and PWC expert. But in many cases, its a little more complicated than that alone. ), Al Shields With the outboard shaft length too long, meaning the prop is too deep in the water, the engine wont be as efficient, and the fuel burn is high. When the jet drive is on the motor, set the height so that the leading edge of the intake is flush with the boat bottom. If the propeller fails to ventilate, the motor is mounted to low. (616) 364-0666, On all contiguous US part orders over $100. Picking the right shaft length is mostly a factor of the transom height or the back of the boat. Engine height with stepped hull at transom - before I screw things up To achieve 35 mph with a 6 hp engine, the total weight is 135 lbs (boat motor fuel passengers). All things considered, sticking with the industry standard is best for the beginner. It is possible that the motor could hang low while transporting on the boat trailer causing future boat repairs. will be to the flat part; if you measure to the bottom of the brackets Some may call it a standard length while others may call it a short or a long shaft. d.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function (e) { } x\[D~OUCO6[j](l%ay <8cylY{.L2s#]~U6A|Wj]-oo|mubqY6wbY_|!>Z8(RB:RHeTzOGO_=~t\ Industry transom height standards have been evolved during the last 30 years: 15 for short shaft engines, 20 for long shaft engines, and 25 for extra-long shaft engines. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Lubrication System Engine Oil Mixed Gasoline. A transom saver, which can change the spacing between the lower unit and the trailer, negates some of the support. trimming the motor out by one-half to full trim. Although the longer outboard shaft length can lead to lower speed and more drag, the boat can push a heavier load. } Ill also explain the difference between short and long shafts and how they vary by type of boat. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Measuring Motor Height - BassBoat Central Happy boating! Always weigh the risks of making adjustments. The most common percent angle is probably 12, however spec sheets for O/B and I/O boats may show 10 percent, 12 percent, and 14 degrees. Higher mounting decisions should be left to the professionals. There Also, how do you determine the length of an outboard transom? Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Wherever the outboard clamping bracket is, use this as the basis for measurement. The pressure behind your hand dropped as you slid your hand back and forth through the water. from the transom. #2. Of course, its always best to go with standard practices when choosing thebest boat engine. If possible for your peace of mind and not let down that magnificent purchase opportunity, place that 08 kicker at back transom and test for yourself. On the downside, a higher mount can interfere with the boaters steering capabilities. Problems with getting the ventilation plate too low include slower hole-shot and lower top-end speeds. The height of the transom is calculated by measuring from the bottom of the hull to the top of the transom, using the center line. disregard the downward pointing "hooks" at the front of the Here we look at the effects of standard, lower and higher mounting. For example, you can have the Mercury outboard shaft length by model code. In addition, motor totes will not harm the finish of the lower unit. Yamaha Outboard Motors: How To Measure Leg Length The dealer just hit you with the long or short shaft question and you have no clue as to what you need or even what he's talking about. For most boaters this is a no brainer, but for the novice or inexperienced boater it may be a tougher question. According to MarinePartsMan.com, the outboard can be raised 1 inch above the standard height for every 10 miles per hour of speed the boat can attain. The boater must also consider if the boat transom support is designed to bear the weight of a higher mount. How to Raise Outboard Motor on Transom? - Raising the Outboard Motor bracket forward with a straight edge to where you can then measure up Smaller 12-14 foot boats can require either a short or long shaft outboard depending on the style of the boat and the brand. How to Measure Transom Height For vessels with transom-mounted outboards, you can easily figure out which type of outboard you need to get. Why wont Touch ID be under the screen in the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16? If you have already measured you transom tip to bottom to be 20", then if you place aux sdieways to central engine your available transom height will be probably 1"-1.5" " higher and work perfecty. For boats equipped with a bracket, calculate the same measurement but based on the bracket and not the transom. At least if its too long you can raise the motor or "build up" your transom. Check out the Westshore Marine & Leisure google plus page! Your goal is to measure how the outboard will sit, so start from the clamping plate and follow the centerline of the hull. As a yacht designer and boater, I prefer longer shafts. Measure from the top of the straight edge to the center of the front }) } }); })(document); If youre looking for a bracket that can handle motors of up to 10/15 horsepower, go no further. There are a series of four to six holes at the top of the bracket, and the lower bolts actually fit into slots. If you have a short shaft motor, the distance between the top of the transom and the bottom of the boat should be between 15 and 16 inches. A: Any boat that has a 21 to 27 inch aft transom will need an extra long shaft outboard. One of the great things about an outboard motor is how versatile it is. Picking the right shaft length for your outboard is an essential step in getting the best performance from your boat. It moves an outboard up and down to optimize performance and enable a boat to venture into shallower water than it might otherwise. Whats the best height for my boat motor? Not to measure boat speed, but to gauge the mounting height of the outboard motor on the boat transom. The propellers will also have trouble reaching the water. and I'll explain it better, (or point you to someone that can help. Increased RPM and additional horsepower feed the need for speed. It was a 23-foot Crestliner Grand Cayman pontoon boat. since 1986. Check out the full chart of the Mercury outboard model code and its features. This is measured by the propeller shaft being parallel to the vessels bottom. However, you will need an understanding of how the degrees will alter the boats usability. primeApr: 12.99, If so, send me an AztH ^zv_ cT,E1K/rAB54| Boats with more engine power and weight require longer shaft outboards for better balance. To do so, measure from the stern (back) of the boat to the midpoint of the hull on both sides. ensure that your measurement is accurate. The motor is what powers the boat so the two go hand-in-hand. Measure from the top of the transom to the bottom of the hull. His works have appeared in regional newspapers in North Dakota and in "North Dakota Horizons" and "Cowboys and Indians" magazines. Copyright 1999-2023 Boats Group. This is somewhat similar to #2, in that you are again measuring with a Repowering your boat is one of the most expensive upgrades you can make. There is a simple test to see if your outboard motor is set at the best height. When the boat transom is too low, the motor could end up underwater. In the case of a dinghy or johnboat, this point may be the top of the transom. center of the propshaft. This will ensure the best performance. Any questions? A long shaft engine requires a height of 20 and extra-long shaft engines will need a transom height of 25. How to Buy a Boat: Tips for a First Time Buyer, Top 10 New Fishing Boats for Under $20,000, What Type is Right for You? With it comes a lot of responsibility and new things to learn including, Why your boat transom needs to be the right height, The pros and cons of properly mounting the outboard motor to the transom, Standard mounting is always best for the beginner, Of course, its always best to go with standard practices when choosing the, Lower mounting is not for the beginning boater, Mounting the motor lower on the boat transom, There is a simple test to see if your outboard motor is set at the best height. Add yours in the comment and Ill get back to you asap. What Types of Documents Can be Sent to your Kindle Library? When trimming your motor, they provide you a greater bow response. Check the literature about your model boat online, and you may be surprised to find that the number is published for you. Mounting the motor lower on the boat transom can create excessive spray, increase case drag, reduce underwater clearance, and negatively impact faster boats. The general guideline for longer shaft outboards is that the transom height should be at least 20 inches (50,8cm) above the waterline. For vessels with transom-mounted outboards, you can easily figure out which type of outboard you need to get. Step 2: After you get the transom height, add the radius of the propeller (check the user manual, and then technical drawing for the number) to calculate the minimum shaft length needed to make it work. addyd53b59933f6c3f2e8b59f1b4a6d41fa5 = addyd53b59933f6c3f2e8b59f1b4a6d41fa5 + 'vanssports' + '.' + 'com'; This transom saver will support the weight of your outboard throughout your road travel, steadily bracing it against the trailer frame to relieve your transom of the weight and impact from consistent bouncing. Sluggish speeds, poor handling, heavy spray, porpoising, or even water pushing up into the cowling are all signs that an outboard is set too low. No one wants to have issues with a new transom or boat repairs. Proper Mounting Height for an Outboard - Gone Outdoors Take the center measurement from the top to the bottom of the hull. Higher mounting decisions should be left to the professionals. You These allow the mounting of a standard length outboard behind the transom. var xmlHttp = new XMLHttpRequest(); To measure the transom height, measure from the center on for transom (rear of the boat). It also cuts into speed and fuel efficiency. If you have an outboard motor, the distance from one end to another will be found on the side or on a label near its bottom. h[0].appendChild(s); How to Find Your Shaft Length | ePropulsion The center is the point where your outboard motor is (ideally) located. e-mail These are vertically aligned so the boater can make adjustments. Raising the motor increases the speed of the boat while decreasing the effort needed to turn the boat. (127 mm). not sure that it's still used. (function (d) { This is the dimension you'll need to know when deciding between a short shaft, long shaft or extra long shaft for your outboard motor. ), and place it on the bottom of the pad in the center. If the propeller fails to ventilate, the motor is mounted to low. A yardstick will help you determine if your outboard engine is at the right height. Place the bracket on the transom to the left of the main outboard or rudder. What Is the Transom of a Boat? EXPLAINED - My Cruiser Life Then open up the clamp bucket. % As a result, the issue is whether my boat need a short shaft or long shaft motor. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. In the past, though, it housed the officers and captain of 17th, 18th and 19th century sailing ships. However, the shaft length for smaller boats could be long or short depending on its style, speed requirement, etc. All you need to do is measure how much to rise. If you have a small boat with a 15 to 17 inch aft transom, youll most likely need a short shaft outboard. The motor length corresponds to the transom height of the boat, measured from the keel to gunwale at the transom. In the second photo, we've measure down from the top of the Detwiler You can order an outboard in lengths ranging from 15 inches to 30 inches, depending on its power output and possible uses. In lower mounting, the engine is set lower than the recommended standard. Ask a friend to hold one end of a measuring tape at the extreme outer edge of the top of the transom while you pull the tape across its width to the opposite outer edge to measure the "length of the taffrail," which is the width of the boat across the top edge of the stern. Tightening Torque for Engine. Which Navigation Lights Does Your Boat Need? Depending on the manufacturer, size names might change. What the relationship to the pontoons is, I couldn't say. This distance is very important to the performance of you boat. Many single-engine boats mount a smaller auxiliary motor for emergency use. Mounting the outboard motor in accordance with the industry standards is important. 12 Small Fishing Boat Accessories to Buy Today. maxMicroAmount: 0.0, He is also a certified marine technician and the author of a popular text on writing local history. The standard installation of an outboard has the top of the transom of the boat at the same level as the bottom of the motor portion of the outboard. All things considered, sticking with the industry standard is best for the beginner. Installing a Kicker Motor Bracket - Gone Outdoors var prefix = 'ma' + 'il' + 'to'; What matters is the actual measurement in the specifications, not the name. The clamp bracket on the latest Mercury Four-Stoke-model outboards has five mounting bolt holes spaced .75 inches apart. A big NO. If measuring an existing outboard: Measure from the inside top of mounting bracket down to anti-cavitation plate above propeller (this is the largest plate/fin directly above the propeller). It can also improve the experience of driving a faster boat. The motor is what powers the boat so the two go hand-in-hand. Some fishing boats can handle the motor being underwater. (Putting a How To Measure Outboard Motor Shaft Length [Long v Short] - Boating Hub Step 4. Cavitation plates are used on the bottom components of boats to help them operate better. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if (PayTomorrow) { The same is true for the newest, high-powered offshore fishing boats, where triple or quadruple motor setups are becoming more and more common. They operate as a planing surface, allowing your boat to climb to the top more quickly. How To Mount An Outboard Motor Properly - Start to Finish! The how to measure the shaft length of an outboard motor is a question that many people have asked. Gear Oil Quantity 195ml(6.6 Fl.oz.) 4 0 obj The transom is the rear wall of the boat where the outboard engine is mounted in the middle. As mentioned above, the operation of the propeller relies on the transom height. Knowing the width, height and depth of your transom allows you to make several important decisions when selecting or purchasing a new outboard. It doesnt matter if you have a fiberglass boat, bay boat, big or small boat. :$I>M W$h"%U_yzIb?]NHg_G|r@nX eTf."SQ To sum up, there is a simple calculator of the shaft length for outboard motors: Outboard Shaft Length = Transom Height +/- Factors. August 9/08). Read the following to get the optimal shaft length for outboard motors! Take your time and understand your boat and your entire transom. h[0].appendChild(s); Youll also want to pay attention when youre in shallow water because your prop will be lower than normal. The cavitation plate is the horizontal surface of the lower unit immediately above the propeller. Its still smart to measure it yourself though, just in case, the design changed over the years. If it measures anywhere from 17" to around 22", then your going to want to go with a long shaft motor. The brackets can add 1 inch to the overall mounting height of the outboard. Remanufactured 4 Cylinder 4-Stroke Cylinder Heads, Remanufactured 6 Cylinder 4-Stroke Cylinder Heads, Trim Relays, Trim Solenoids & Sending Units, Remanufactured V6 & V8 4-Stroke Cylinder Heads, Volvo Cobra SX Bearings and Bearing Carriers, Volvo Cobra SX Driveshaft, U-Joints & Parts, Volvo Cobra SX Transom Assembly & Bellows. The form of a boats transom varies depending on the manufacturer and model. This is a measurement that has been used for BassCats, I'm Pretty easy to figure out but like I said its crucial to pairing a motor with a boat. This will keep the prop in the water when the boat pitches in waves, or hobby-horses. This placement is not only recommended but it will give you the best performance compared to something that is too long or too short. a Detwiler manual jackplate. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". This, however, is not recommended for the beginning boater. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. The clamp bracket is designed so that the engine's mounting height on the transom can be adjusted higher than standard. Place the rulers end on the ground behind the club and let the club to rest on top of it. You dont have to be a mathematician to determine the correct boat transomangle. Each one has a totally different effect on the boats performance. Finding the right size is a matter of looking at what youve got and taking out the measuring tape. This measurement was approximately 4". You may wonder how deep your prop should be in the water. The first step is to determine the height of your boat's transom. Beginning boaters should be aware of the boats measurements. Other boats that need short shafts are: A: If you have a small boat with a 18 to 21 inch aft transom, youll most likely need a long shaft outboard. A retired ship captain, Charpentier holds a doctorate in applied ocean science and engineering. You run the risk of possibly unsafe handling if you attempt to put a long shaft engine on a transom designed for a short shaft engine. Required fields are marked *. It is where the outboard is mounted, and some boat owners place the name of the boat. The height of the transom is calculated by measuring from the bottom of the hull to the top of the transom, using the center line. Always weigh the risks of making adjustments. If you are running a slower boat, the exact location of the ventilation plate is less important. However, the motor should not be raised more than 5 inches above the standard position. On the downside, a higher mount can interfere with the boaters steering capabilities. What is the Virtual Sundance Film Festival? I also love helping others, which is why I created this website. To do so, take a measurement from the very top to the very bottom of the transom in the precise center. straight edge from the center of the pad, but this time you're measuring maxTerm: 36, gtag('config', 'G-QX0Y76NH40'); Whether your on a pontoon boat, fishing boat, or speedboat boating is always one of the best times you can have. Re: Dinghy with a long shaft motor? Some outboards have a serial number that tells you which shaft length to go for. Bass boats, ski boats, or center cockpit vessels will want to double-check their measurements to get it just right. You also might not be able to lift the outboard out of the water entirely for storage. Plus, a low transom cut is an invitation for the water to flood the boat. However, youll notice a little increase in drag and a decrease in top-end performance. So if you are measuring the outboard shaft length for the powerboat, planing boat, or any boat for which the speed is the priority, take the outboard shaft length 1 to 1.5 (depending on your boat types) shorter than standard would be better. Before we get started lets see what a boat transom is and what it does. How-To: Pick A Great Portable Outboard Motor (2023 Guide)
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