Short,Standard or Long Shaft?

[Clyder]

Can anyone advise me on the best outboard shaft length to power a 2.6m inflatable dinghy? I've got a 4.5hp long shaft but have been told a short shaft would be better....any advise please.

Thanks.

 

[alistairh]

short, because if its too deep in the water you loose preformance. all (most)dinghys should use a short shaft o/b.

 

[Clyder]

Cheers!! thought that would be the case.....just as well I didn't fit it (my long shaft) and look a right numpty /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[spannerman]

The cavitation plate of the outboard should be level with the V at the bottom of the hull on the majority of boats, there are certain exceptions but these are mainly on performance boats.

 

[andy_wilson]

If it's purely for the tender - get a short shaft.

Then again, I use a Extra Long Shaft on my tender, 'cos I had the engine before the dinghy, and retain it in the unlikely event I will need it to push my yacht along.

 

[PBooth]

Me too, for exactly the same reason, works fine.

 

[Clyder]

/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif I might try my long shaft before I spend any more cash!! Thanks guys, I'm sure I'll work it out from here.

Cheers

Clyde

 

[oldharry]

Most L shafts work on dinghies just fine. Older ones may be difficult to start, Seagulls just will not start. If the leg is too deep in, the water creates back pressure in the exhaust system, and prevents the engine from starting.

This is why so many seagulls ran fine in the garage but would never run on the boat.

 

[Lakesailor]

Funnily enough I tried my longshaft seagull on my tender last week and it started a treat. Perhaps a good compression overcomes the slight difference in back pressure.