Motors Long or Short

[Richard]

I have a C-22 with a 5hp short shaft, I just bought the boat. Would a long shaft motor be better?

 

[Eric]

Yes if ....

Hello RichardYes if your conditions cause the motor to come out to often. But if is just to get you in and out of the marina, you're cool.The longer shaft will also let the power head run higher for better access.Eric

 

[ken]

short shaft

Eric............If you sail on a relatively calm lake...... you are OK......... anything more than that requires a long shaft at minimum.

 

[Aldo]

Converting to a long shaft

Richard: You didn't say what kind of motor you had. It may be possible to replace a few pieces and make yours into a long shaft cheaply, or maybe not. You would have to get quotes to determine this. Anyway, when you are out with wind and waves, you really will want a long shaft motor. You can still use your boat until you get this corrected, possibly by having everyone sit in the cockpit on the port side to help push your motor down, but I do think that it is something you should correct as a safety issue. Aldo

 

[Joe]

In and out of the water....

.... If you have problems keeping the prop in the water while powereing through normal chop or waves, you need a longer shaft. The biggest danger to the prop cominig out of the water is "over-revving". which could cause some severe motor damage. If you motor in rough conditions a lot, then convert to a long shaft. If it's only occasionally, keep your hand near the throttle. I wouldn't buy a new longshaft unless there was a problem keeping the prop in the water.

 

[Glen]

Hopfully fixed same problem

I took my 1975 c-22 out last week for the first time and had the same problem. Every time I walked into the cabin the motor would pop out of the water(1-2 foot swells). I have a old 5hp Johnson short shaft. To fix the prob. I extended the 4 arms on the motor bracket buy 41/4" It sits out little father but a lot lower down and a lot higher when up (It sat very low when in the up position). I hope it fixes the problem. Will find out monday on the Upper Chesapeake. I also have 3 spots to raise or lower the motor bracket at the transom. At the moment it is in the highest spot so I can still lower the bracket 3-6"Hope this helps,Glen

 

[Alan]

From short to long

Had a short and went to a long shaft as well as adjustable motor mount. Short just won't do the job as well, especially when the waves pitch the stern up and down causing your prop to go airborne. I presently use an 8hp and it moves my 22' at 5 knots.