Outboard engine problems

[rmilavsky]

I have a 1988 Oday 240. I believe the boat displaces 3600 pounds. My outboard is a mercury 6 with a 4 stroke.
I believe it is a short length shaft attached to an aux bracket.
The motor is fine when the water is relatively calm and it can move the boat niceley.
However, when the wind starts blowing and I get some rough bay water, the boat will start to really bounce. And as the boat bounces, it causes havoc with the engine...the engine and props starts to rise....and I really struggle to move forward.
Also as the boat bounces, it causes the outboard to swivel which causes control problems.
When I motor when the wind kicks up over 15 mph , I virtually have to stand at the back of the boat, hold the control handle on the outboard in place so it doesn't swivel....and as the boat bounces, the engine makes a noise and rises...and I get no push.
Suggestions? Do I need a longer shaft ourboard? an engine with more power? Please let me know.
thanks
Ray

 

[tommays]

You need to measure and if it's 15 inches it's a shorts shaft and will never work well

 

[kloudie1]

Long shaft will keep the prop in the water much better.. There is a steering tension adjustment that you can tighten to get the engine to stay straight and still be able to turn it with the tiller for tight turning.. The adjustment usually would be located just above the clamps that hold it to the bracket, or possibly just below the clamps on the swivel tube..
Outboards usually can be converted to long shaft (if they were offered that way originally) There are some folks who can supply the parts for a lot less than a new engine.. Try to find a good local shop that works small outboards and talk to those guys..