Which outboard for dual purpose use.

[8888williams]

Hi there - I'm fairly new to boating and am seeking the advice of you more experienced sailors! I am considering buying a 12 foot used fishing/leisure boat (Fibreglass with cuddy cabin) and will need an outboard for it. First question is short or long shaft and what's the difference? Ideally I'd also like to use the engine for dual purpose (as an auxillary/rescue) when in the near future I buy a 25-30 foot motor cruiser. Is there an outboard engine that can do both jobs? I'm not looking for any great speed in the 12 foot boat, am much more interested in reliability and ease of maintenance. Many thanks in advance for any suggestions

 

[VicS]

Hi there - I'm fairly new to boating and am seeking the advice of you more experienced sailors! I am considering buying a 12 foot used fishing/leisure boat (Fibreglass with cuddy cabin) and will need an outboard for it. First question is short or long shaft and what's the difference? Ideally I'd also like to use the engine for dual purpose (as an auxillary/rescue) when in the near future I buy a 25-30 foot motor cruiser. Is there an outboard engine that can do both jobs? I'm not looking for any great speed in the 12 foot boat, am much more interested in reliability and ease of maintenance. Many thanks in advance for any suggestions

The choice of shaft length depends upon the height of the top of the mounting bracket or transom

Measure from there down to the water . If this is no more than 15" a short (aka standard) shaft model will be appropriate

If more than 15", up to 20" a long shaft will be needed. If more than 20" (up to 25") an extra long shaft will be required

The same consideration will be needed when deciding what is suitable for your planned motor cruiser. The bigger the boat the more likely you are to need a long or extra long shaft.

A longer shaft than needed will create extra drag and be a pain in the butt by increasing your draught. It might be possible to raise the height of the transom of the smaller boat to accommodate a longer shaft by using a jack plate