Outboard: standard or short shaft? Any difference?

[kilkerr1]

Hi again

Outboard engines & shaft lengths: when an engine is described as having a 'standard' shaft, is this the same as when it's described as having a 'short' shaft? I need a short shaft outboard apparently for my Kingfisher 20+ (which has a cunning outboard well you tilt the outboard into which then closes, so it's like an outboard/inboard engine), and am wondering whether a standard shaft will do the job.

Thanks!

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Strathglass]

Standard is short shaft, as far as I have always understood.

Iain

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[kilkerr1]

That's what I thought. Thanks for clarifying!

Justine

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[boatmad2]

Not so simple I have seen engines advertized thus
short shaft 15inch
standard shaft 18inch
long shaft 22 to 24inch
extra long shaft 26 to 28inch
safest way is to measure your transom and get an engine to suit.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[coco]

"safest way is to measure your transom and get an engine to suit."

Agree, ... but make sure that you take the measurements with a loaded cockpit, then add some allowance for the weight of the engine! Your transom may then be closer to the water than you think.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[IanBBA]

The numbers are simpler than that and very easy to remember:-

Short for a 15" transom.
Long for a 20"
Extra long for a 25.

In checking the engine is correct, the cavitation plate (flat horizontal plate above the propellor) should be at least 3" below the 'keel'.

Ian.

<hr width=100% size=1>