Shaft length for 26D

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dawg2

.
Jun 25, 2012
173
Mac Gregor 26D GA
I currently have a 1988 Evinrude Yachtwin 8HP motor that came with my boat. It is going back to be looked at again because it keeps dying. I am hoping I can get it fixed.

If I do get a new motor I have a couple questions. If I measure from the top of the transom mount to the anti-cavitation plate it measures 27". So if I were to replace this, would I need an extra long shaft / 25" instead of a 20" ? I was looking at Tohatsu and if that is the case I will have to go with the 9.8 since the 8HP only comes in a 20" long shaft.

Is this right? I will need a 25" shaft motor?
 
Apr 30, 2006
610
Macgregor 26s Kemah, TX
This topic has come up on the forum before, and I think the general consensus, no pun intended, is the longer the better. In any kind of chop, the propeller tends to cavitate. That means that in conditions where you need it the most, the propeller isn't moving the boat efficiently.

My motor is a long shaft and if I ever have to replace it, I'll get an extra long shaft.
 
Apr 30, 2006
610
Macgregor 26s Kemah, TX
Sum, do you have to tilt the extra long shaft before you pull it out of the water, so it won't drag on the ground?
 
May 4, 2005
4,062
Macgregor 26d Ft Lauderdale, Fl
longest is best. if you plan to ever enter any channels where there is a chop.

on many of the cuts to the ocean, the seas build up to a large chop with short period.

this causes the boat to hobby horse. and when the bow goes down, the engine lifts out of the water, and cavitating. waterpumps don't like that, and will burn up in short time. plus you loose the forward motion when that happens.

even with the longest shaft this can occur... so it depends on where you plan on going. a lake boat might get away with the 20", but a coastal boat would probably want the longest available.

-don't write off that 2 stroke. its most likely lighter than the replacement.

(although some lakes now ban 2strokes).

where are you going to boat? lake lanier or savannah? or?
 

Sumner

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Jan 31, 2009
5,254
Macgregor & Endeavour 26S and 37 Utah's Canyon Country
Sum, do you have to tilt the extra long shaft before you pull it out of the water, so it won't drag on the ground?
I guess you are talking about coming out at the ramp? We have only had it in and out of the water twice on the two Florida trips and I honestly can't remember if I tilted it up before we took the boat out, but don't think so.

We used one ramp in and out and in again (All American in Port Charlotte) and the South Dade Marina ramp (south of Miami) for takeout only and they were both steep ramps and gave us more problems in the front at the bow rollers and no problems with the outboard.



You can see above that there is quite a bit of clearance with the outboard on the trailer on the road and we don't tilt it there. Also it is an extra-long shaft, but mounted at a long shaft depth,

Sum

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]============================[/FONT]

Our Endeavour 37

Our MacGregor 26-S Pages

Our Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida

Mac-Venture Links
 
Apr 30, 2006
610
Macgregor 26s Kemah, TX
Sum, I forgot that you made an elevated engine mount that allowed you to swing the motor. Still, it looks like there would be enough clearance even with it in the standard mount.
Dawg, I'm sorry for hijacking the thread, but ground clearance is a consideration with an extra long shaft.
 

dawg2

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Jun 25, 2012
173
Mac Gregor 26D GA
longest is best. if you plan to ever enter any channels where there is a chop.

on many of the cuts to the ocean, the seas build up to a large chop with short period.

this causes the boat to hobby horse. and when the bow goes down, the engine lifts out of the water, and cavitating. waterpumps don't like that, and will burn up in short time. plus you loose the forward motion when that happens.

even with the longest shaft this can occur... so it depends on where you plan on going. a lake boat might get away with the 20", but a coastal boat would probably want the longest available.

-don't write off that 2 stroke. its most likely lighter than the replacement.

(although some lakes now ban 2strokes).

where are you going to boat? lake lanier or savannah? or?
I just got back from the mechanic and we got it to duplicate my problem (cutting off when under load, throttle up). The motor was a 190 degrees, so he thinks it is the t-stat and will take it out and see how it works :dance: I hope that is all it is. I really do NOT want to spend $2K on a new motor:cussing:

Lake Harding will be its primary location. Then I plan on taking it to the Gulf in the fall...IF I have a reliable motor;)
 

dawg2

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Jun 25, 2012
173
Mac Gregor 26D GA
OK, looks like if I go with a new one, longer is better. That is about what I figured, but sometimes it is best to get input so I can avoid mistakes.
 

Sumner

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Jan 31, 2009
5,254
Macgregor & Endeavour 26S and 37 Utah's Canyon Country
.. Then I plan on taking it to the Gulf in the fall...IF I have a reliable motor;)
The extra-long will be appreciated there along with the power when you have current. The extra-long comes standard with a 'very high' thrust prop. We use that prop as a backup now (never tried it) and bought a 4 blade, still a high thrust prop, that we have been happy with. Part number (3B2B645120 ) here.....

http://www.tohatsuoutboardparts.com/Props-and-Hardware.html

I also bought a spare prop mounting kit. If you buy from onlineoutboards.com and get the other stuff at the same time they probably will also free ship it.

The other thing we bought from them was...





http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/macgregor2/outside-36.html

...the filter/water separator. Motor started and ran great on our trips so far,

Sum

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]============================[/FONT]

Our Endeavour 37

Our MacGregor 26-S Pages

Our Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida

Mac-Venture Links
 

dawg2

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Jun 25, 2012
173
Mac Gregor 26D GA
The extra-long will be appreciated there along with the power when you have current. The extra-long comes standard with a 'very high' thrust prop. We use that prop as a backup now (never tried it) and bought a 4 blade, still a high thrust prop, that we have been happy with. Part number (3B2B645120 ) here.....

http://www.tohatsuoutboardparts.com/Props-and-Hardware.html

I also bought a spare prop mounting kit. If you buy from onlineoutboards.com and get the other stuff at the same time they probably will also free ship it.

The other thing we bought from them was...





http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/macgregor2/outside-36.html

...the filter/water separator. Motor started and ran great on our trips so far,

Sum

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]============================[/FONT]

Our Endeavour 37

Our MacGregor 26-S Pages

Our Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida

Mac-Venture Links
Those are some great ideas. I have already been brainstorming on how to get the lazarette into an efficient storage area.
 

dawg2

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Jun 25, 2012
173
Mac Gregor 26D GA
Well, it is not looking good. The mechanic took out the tsat and the motor idles and the temp is rising to 200. He wants to pull the head and see if there is debris blocking the water. He said no charge if this is not the problem or just pay for gasket and labor if they resolve it. If nothing is in the head, I may have to buy a new motor. I don't see spending anymor emoney on a 1988 vintage motor.

I was looking at the Tohatsu 9.87 with 25" shaft. Do these holes match up with the old Evinrude in the transom or will I need to drill all new? Also, I can find them online for about $2100. Is there a cheaper place or is this about right?
 
May 4, 2005
4,062
Macgregor 26d Ft Lauderdale, Fl
sometimes there is a hose between the cyl's water jacket that collapses over time. (check that water can pass if its in there...

you can also check for scoring on the cyl walls while the head is off.

the lower unit has value if the engine still doesn't run. (ebay)

good luck!
 

dawg2

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Jun 25, 2012
173
Mac Gregor 26D GA
I spoke with the guy at the counter yesterday, He did not know exactly what they found, but they have ordered an "exhaust gasket."
 
Dec 28, 2011
193
MacGregor 26D Boston
Trying to decide if I should pay $200 for minor repairs and Carb cleaning for my extra long shaft 15HP 1989 Mercury Mariner (runs well but heavy) or I could lighten my load by buying a 9.9 long shaft Nissan that the my Marina is selling for $200.

Is 15HP overkill or could it help in rough seas?
 

Sumner

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Jan 31, 2009
5,254
Macgregor & Endeavour 26S and 37 Utah's Canyon Country
Trying to decide if I should pay $200 for minor repairs and Carb cleaning for my extra long shaft 15HP 1989 Mercury Mariner (runs well but heavy) or I could lighten my load by buying a 9.9 long shaft Nissan that the my Marina is selling for $200.

Is 15HP overkill or could it help in rough seas?
How heavy is the Merc? The Nissan is about 100 (made by Tohatsu). The boat isn't going to go any faster with the Merc so I'd consider the Nissan if it is in good shape. We like our extra-long shaft a lot.

http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/macgregor2/outside-25.html

... Put a 4 blade high thrust prop on it if it doesn't have one and it will push that boat in any condition the 15 HP will in my opinion. I was a big 2 stroke fan when I was into bikes, but now I'd rather have a 4 stroke outboard. Quieter, uses less gas and is now welcome on more lakes,

Sum

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]============================[/FONT]

Our Endeavour 37

Our MacGregor 26-S Pages

Our Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida

Mac-Venture Links
 
Nov 20, 2008
1
MacGregor 26D Mebane
Have him check your water pump. Most motor manufacturer's suggest changing it every 3 years. Most are rubber and they get hard and stop performing especially if you running in salt water.
 
Dec 28, 2011
193
MacGregor 26D Boston
Sumner said:
How heavy is the Merc? The Nissan is about 100 (made by Tohatsu). The boat isn't going to go any faster with the Merc so I'd consider the Nissan if it is in good shape. We like our extra-long shaft a lot.

http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/macgregor2/outside-25.html

... Put a 4 blade high thrust prop on it if it doesn't have one and it will push that boat in any condition the 15 HP will in my opinion. I was a big 2 stroke fan when I was into bikes, but now I'd rather have a 4 stroke outboard. Quieter, uses less gas and is now welcome on more lakes,

Sum

============================

Our Endeavour 37

Our MacGregor 26-S Pages

Our Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida

Mac-Venture Links
Thanks Sum. Not sure what the weight of the Merc is but let me double check and post later.
 

r.oril

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Oct 29, 2008
586
MacGregor 26D and Catalina 30 26 - 30 Lancaster, CA
I scanned for someone not opening the air value on the tank. My stock 7.5 Honda will start to complain if I forget to open that screw. Also, I leave the engine down but able to move if I drag out of a driveway.(hate that)
Also, my mechanic uses a piano wire to clear all of the holes on the carb. That was why mine would not idle.
 

dawg2

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Jun 25, 2012
173
Mac Gregor 26D GA
I scanned for someone not opening the air value on the tank. My stock 7.5 Honda will start to complain if I forget to open that screw. Also, I leave the engine down but able to move if I drag out of a driveway.(hate that)
Also, my mechanic uses a piano wire to clear all of the holes on the carb. That was why mine would not idle.
It's getting fuel. It is overheating, then cutting off. He did replace the impeller on the pump and it is getting good water exiting the motor.
 
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