Long or Short Shaft? Weight & Why?

[okial]

Hi
To all of you that responded to my query concerning engine size for a 17' O'Day thank you. I've decided that a 3.5 or 4 hp will do the job. I wanted something large enough to motor around if the winds are absent. There certainly is a big difference in weight between a 2 stroke & 4 stroke, some 14 lbs or so. I'd like to consider a used one but am weary of parts availability. Also, have to put to bed my doubts of shaft length. Anyhow, I have more faith in sailors opinions and their experiences than I do a companies. My outlook on that comes from my machining background. I couldn't count the many times that I had to counter engineering theory with practical theory. With that said, I'll go with what the practical theorist have to say.

Long or Short. Tohatsu states " if your transom depth is between 15/17" then a short shaft is in order. I was under the impression that long shaft was the order of the day for sailors??? Anyone out there with experience on both? I believe I have a Daysailor1. Where the motor will be mounted measures a depth of 15 1/2". The depth of the transom where the rudder is mounted is 20 1/2".

Weight. Anyone have an idea how much my Daysailor 1, 17' would approximately weight in at? That will tell me if I'll be okay lugging it with my 2 wheel drive,S10 pickup.

Lastly ???. I don't often see 17' Daysailor info hereabouts. It seems as if they jump from 15' to 19'. ??? I've come up with info on a 15 that I bought for my son and seen some on 19'. Just wondering.

 

[tommays]

LONG for sure you need to be able to keep the prop under water in less than perfect conditions


At the speed a sailboat moves the longshaft does not casue the drag issues that would happen on a planeing hull when the gearcase is to deep in the water

 

[Clark]

The type of motor bracket you have is key.

If the motor mounts directly to the top of your transom, then your measurement is a good one and should be your guide. If it is attached to a fixed bracket, measure form the top of the bracket to the proper depth and if the bracket is the type that can be raised or lowered, make your measurement from the top of that bracket in the lowered position. Double check it but I think the 4 hp has a F-N-R tranny and the 3.5 only has F-N. Could be a real handy option.

I Googled the daysailor and found that the hull weight is ~600lb so it, the motor, trailor and 'stuff' would come in at ~1000 lb. That should be no problem w/ your S10.

Also, http://www.daysailer.org/ is a pretty good looking site dedicated to the Daysailor.

Good Luck!

 

[okial]

LONG for sure you need to be able to keep the prop under water in less than perfect conditions


At the speed a sailboat moves the longshaft does not casue the drag issues that would happen on a planeing hull when the gearcase is to deep in the water

Tommays
Point taken. Long it is. Thanks.

okial

 

[okial]

Re: The type of motor bracket you have is key.

If the motor mounts directly to the top of your transom, then your measurement is a good one and should be your guide. If it is attached to a fixed bracket, measure form the top of the bracket to the proper depth and if the bracket is the type that can be raised or lowered, make your measurement from the top of that bracket in the lowered position. Double check it but I think the 4 hp has a F-N-R tranny and the 3.5 only has F-N. Could be a real handy option.

I Googled the daysailor and found that the hull weight is ~600lb so it, the motor, trailor and 'stuff' would come in at ~1000 lb. That should be no problem w/ your S10.

Also, http://www.daysailer.org/ is a pretty good looking site dedicated to the Daysailor.

Good Luck!

Clark
I believe the well I refer to is there for the motor and to allow the clamping of it. What I found strange was that, unlike my former boat, which was a larger sailor, there is no wooden plate/board/etc., to let the motor sit on it, rather than directly on the hull. But, I do intend on putting something on both sides of the motor, on the inboard side where the clamps are anyhow. I don't like the idea of clamping directly unto the hull. Maybe, when I get the chance, I'll attach a picture for you to see.

The 4 hp does have a reverse and I think that will outweigh the disadvantage of the additional 16 lbs the motor weighs in at. 57 vs 41. It's a sturdier motor as well. Just looking to set myself for a good day if for some reason the wind isn't there or goes away. I have to travel a good distance to sail and if there is no wind, the motor can save the day....

Thanks for the figures on weight. I'll add 15 lbs to that cause I figure there is still some water left in those wells below the seats. In the excitement of getting back into sailing, I overlooked the fact that those 3 quarter sized holes should have had plugs in them. I thought the only hole needing sealing was the drain hole. This all happened on my maiden voyage with the boat. Had a heck of a good sailing day for sure. Got to know the boats limits. Had to bail out about 8" of water and paddle back in to shore on a very gusty day. Took about an hour and a half. One foot over the rudder, one with a paddle and bailing with one hand and ate the salvaged peanut butter sandwich with the other.

Thanks for all the helpful advice.

okial