Each one has a totally different effect on the boats performance. Over time, Boating Hub has grown into a resource for boating enthusiasts around world. ), and place it on the bottom of the pad in the center. Boat transom angles play a pivotal role in the flexibility of the boats trimming abilities. You dont have to be a mathematician to determine the correct boat transomangle. This email address is being protected from spambots. There are also specialty motor shaft lengths. debugMode: false, Typical motor lengths include the following. It does not store any personal data. But in many cases, its a little more complicated than that alone. If you are looking to repower, they may be able to offer some sage advice. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". If you went too long it would still work but it may lack in performance. Will Charpentier is a writer who specializes in boating and maritime subjects. Any owner seeking the last bit of speed from an outboard-powered boat should grab a yard stick. A1: Broadly speaking, the outboard motor shaft length for pontoon boat, bass boat, or other larger boats should be long shaft. The first order of business is to measure your boat for the ideal fit. If your boat is newer and the manufacturer is still in business, you might also want to try to give them a call. x\[D~OUCO6[j](l%ay <8cylY{.L2s#]~U6A|Wj]-oo|mubqY6wbY_|!>Z8(RB:RHeTzOGO_=~t\ The same is true for the newest, high-powered offshore fishing boats, where triple or quadruple motor setups are becoming more and more common. For slower boats, its less critical to. If it measures 15" or with in a inch of that you will need a short shaft outboard. Extra-long shafts are 25-inches long. This measurement is primarily designed for single motor propulsion. With a jack plate, you can mount it exactly where you want it. This is measured by the propeller shaft being parallel to the vessels bottom. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. of the motor off the transom Plus, a low transom cut is an invitation for the water to flood the boat. gtag('js', new Date()); Determining Your Boat Transom Angle The transom angle - commonly measured in degrees - is the transom's vertical inclination. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Here we will guide you in how to get the right boat transom height. A reverse transom that sits too high can impact the propellers of the motor and motor bracket. Usually speaking, the farther the outboard is set off the transom, the higher the propeller should be in the water (or the higher the outboard can be mounted). resting on the transom if you had the motor all the way down on the boat Boats with extended transoms, brackets that extend the mounting bracket for the outboard motor behind the back of the boat, can use a higher outboard height. Actual shaft length is 21.5" on those. The amount of degrees the transom leans back from vertical is known as the transom angle. 2 0 obj The vertical distance between the interior of the clamp and the cavitation plate is the shaft length specified by the outboard manufacturer. Boaters who consider going with a higher mount can see increased speeds. I would ask you to go back and measure the transom of your boat. This is simply a measurement taken from the top of the transom (top of Place the clubs bottom on the ground as though it were going to be used to strike a golf ball. This could also effect your travelling capabilities on the boat trailer. Chances are the boat was designed with a specific size of outboard in mind. If you have a small boat with a 15 to 17 inch aft transom, youll most likely need a short shaft outboard. Step 4. You will also risk hitting bottom or submerge objects more frequently such as rocks or logs. Measuring the shaft length can be done in various ways, but the most common way is by using a tape measure. Commonly, the transom angle ranges from 0-30 degrees, with the average transom angle set at 14 degrees. This will keep the prop in the water when the boat pitches in waves, or hobby-horses. var path = 'hr' + 'ef' + '='; If you decide to make some custom adjustments we have theexperience and know-howto make it happen. If you have already measured you transom tip to bottom to be 20", then if you place aux sdieways to central engine your available transom height will be probably 1"-1.5" " higher and work perfecty. Add the two measurements and you get 6 1/2". This distance is very important to the performance of you boat. Required fields are marked *. As with anything, there are exceptions to the rule. I believe 20 to 21 inches is the optimum length for a lengthy shaft. You dont have to be a mathematician to determine the correct boat transom angle. Or it can have an angle degree as high as 30. In addition, motor totes will not harm the finish of the lower unit. actually have the propshaft above the pad.). Picking the right shaft length for your outboard is an essential step in getting the best performance from your boat. endobj If you said something smaller than that, thats where it can get tricky. })(); If the propeller fails to ventilate, the motor is mounted to low. var interval = setInterval(function () { If it measures between 17 and 22, you'll want to go with a long shaft motor. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Of course, its always best to go with standard practices when choosing thebest boat engine. Step 2: Three Variables to Consider This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This is a measurement that has been used for BassCats, I'm center of the propshaft. mpeInit(); The form of a boats transom varies depending on the manufacturer and model. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The point where these measurements intersect is your centerline. No one wants to have issues with a new transom or boat repairs. Take your time and understand your boat and your entire transom. Trimming in, trimming down, and trimming out are all terms that a beginning boater should learn. C Cheaptoon Cadet Joined Aug 4, 2010 Messages 28 Aug 24, 2010 #4 Re: Motor height on pontoon? These are vertically aligned so the boater can make adjustments. (updated clearInterval(interval); So if you are measuring the outboard shaft length for smaller boats, inflatables, dinghies, sailboat or other low-speed work boats, the cavitation plate is often about 2 below the bottom. It is extremely important that the boater understands the significance of the transoms height. :$I>M W$h"%U_yzIb?]NHg_G|r@nX eTf."SQ Top 10 Choices for Boaters, Mercury Introduces 600HP V12 Verado Outboard Engine, The Outboard Expert: Tohatsu Propane Outboard Engine. Because of the increased friction, cavitation reduces efficiency. jackplate to a point level with the top of the transom. Doing this can have adverse effects. This is the dimension you'll need to know when deciding between a short shaft, long shaft or extra long shaft for your outboard motor. If you are running a slower boat, the exact location of the ventilation plate is less important. Keep these numbers in mind if you ever have a need for a new outboard motor for your boat. Measure from there down to the top of the cavitation plate, also known as the anti-ventilation plate. Your goal is to measure how the outboard will sit, so start from the clamping plate and follow the centerline of the hull. disregard the "hooks" at the front of the Whats the best height for my boat motor? logoColor: "original", Most transom savers can support up to a 150HP motor, which is sufficient for most regular boats. xmlHttp.send('{"store_id":"369079","timezone_offset":"-5","timestamp":"2023-03-04T05:39:31.71020200Z","visit_id":"e2642be3-34e5-4a48-b89d-639d139834e0","channel_id":1}'); Ill also explain the difference between short and long shafts and how they vary by type of boat. (Any measurement given as "off the transom" The boat transom can be flat with zero degree angles. As a result, the issue is whether my boat need a short shaft or long shaft motor. If it measures between 17 and 22, youll want to go with a long shaft motor. primeApr: 12.99, If your boat planes, pay extra attention to getting the shaft length as close to perfect as possible. Thats it. This is measured by the propeller shaft being parallel to the vessels bottom. window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; For vessels with transom-mounted outboards, you can easily figure out which type of outboard you need to get. Mounting the outboard a little bit lower than the standard point could avoid the possible ventilation and slip on acceleration. measuring; you may have to "extend" the flat part of the A long shaft engine requires a height of 20 and extra-long shaft engines will need a transom height of 25. Industry standards dictate that for short shaft engines the transom height should be 15. Pad to bottom of var h = d.getElementsByTagName("head"), 2019s List of the Best Recreational Pontoon Boats for Sale. When the boattransom is too low, the motor could end up underwater. So how to measure outboard shaft length? Spark Plug 25.0nm(18.4 Ft-lb) (2.55 Kgf-m) The boater must also consider if the boat transom support is designed to bear the weight of a higher mount. The transom is the "back wall" of your boat, the most rearward part of your hull. Like Westshore Marine & Leisure on Facebook! Many boat transoms are modified to use a different length of outboard by using a bracket. addyd53b59933f6c3f2e8b59f1b4a6d41fa5 = addyd53b59933f6c3f2e8b59f1b4a6d41fa5 + 'vanssports' + '.' + 'com'; However, youll notice a little increase in drag and a decrease in top-end performance. Hold the tape on the top, center of the taffrail and measure straight down to the point, usually a sharp angle, where the transom joins the bottom of the boat. The pressure behind your hand dropped as you slid your hand back and forth through the water. Happy boating! Anything bigger than that your obviously going to need an extra long shaft. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. If you have a question or need additional information,contact ustoday. So you should just measure the height of the boat's transom from the center down to the lowest point of the hull, and compare transom height with the outboard shaft length numbers. Owners of bass boats, RIBs, or offshore fishing boats need to get this right. Then open up the clamp bucket. The cavitation plate is the horizontal surface of the lower unit immediately above the propeller. Yes, if there is adequate space while the engine is tilted in the up position, a larger shaft length than what is specified may be used. Boats that use longer outboard shafts include: One of the main concerns is causing the engine to overheat if not enough water reaches the engine to keep it cool. Why Rebounding Is A Key Skill for Fouth Players To Learn, Tips For Attacking a Zone Defense as a Youth Basketball Team, Why This is a Big Deal for the Sports Betting Industry. Simply start with the engine in idle, followed by, If you decide to make some custom adjustments we have the. With more than a decade of experience cruising the lakes in my Crestliner Grand Cayman pontoon boat and my Boston Whaler, I now want to share everything I've learned with my community here at Boating Hub. It also decreases the boats lift and increases the time it takes for the boat to reach plane. enableMoreInfoLink: true, Step 2: After you get the transom height, add the radius of the propeller (check the user manual, and then technical drawing for the number) to calculate the minimum shaft length needed to make it work. There are a series of four to six holes at the top of the bracket, and the lower bolts actually fit into slots. Youll also want to pay attention when youre in shallow water because your prop will be lower than normal. (function (d) { Whether you already own a boat or looking for your first watercraft we are here to service your needs. function loadScript(script) { A big NO. Measure straight down to the lowest point on the hull. priceSelector: ".price--withoutTax, span.price.price--withTax", If it measures 15" or with in a inch of that you will need a short shaft outboard. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". It is extremely important that the boater understands the significance of the transom's height. Smaller boats may use adjustable jack plates that can be changed to fit any outboard. Then adjust the motor in a higher hole with a flat head screwdriver. (In the case of the faster 3 0 obj Copyright 1999-2023 Boats Group. xmlHttp.open('POST', 'https://bes.gcp.data.bigcommerce.com/nobot'); It moves an outboard up and down to optimize performance and enable a boat to venture into shallower water than it might otherwise. Or it can have an angle degree as high as 30. loadScript(ptScript); Height Measurement: Recommended Shaft Length: 14" - 17.25" 15" Shaft (Short) 17.25" - 19.5" Varies by application 19.5" - 22.5" With the motor trimmed so that the propshaft is parallel to the keel, the anti-ventilation plate should be just about even with your straight edge, and thus even with the boat bottom at the keel. document.getElementById('cloakd53b59933f6c3f2e8b59f1b4a6d41fa5').innerHTML = ''; The engine may be lifted one inch for every eight to ten inches of distance between the transom and the prop, according to a boat riggers rule of thumb. Generally, short shaft outboards are 15 inches, long shaft outboards are 20 inches, and extra-long outboards are 25 inches. Upstream Securitys Disruptive Telematics Technology, The challenges of scaling a cloud-based security system, OneStreams unified platform streamlines financial data management, OneStreams impact on the financial software market. Simply start with the engine in idle, followed by trimming the motor out by one-half to full trim. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. All rights reserved. Is my outboard long or short shaft? It is unsafe to have the engine block too close to the water on a low transom. In the second photo, we've measure down from the top of the Detwiler Many single-engine boats mount a smaller auxiliary motor for emergency use. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Here are several situations on how you should adjust the outboard shaft length: Mounting the outboard a little bit higher than the standard point could reduce drag, improve RPM at full throttle, and therefore improve speed and make it easier for the boat to get on plane. Be sure to measure carefully and research thoroughly before diving in. Since the ventilation plate & foil are burried under water it is obviously too low. Its important to note that manufacturers call their models different things. would be more accurate.) var addyd53b59933f6c3f2e8b59f1b4a6d41fa5 = 'info' + '@'; All rights reserved. In lower mounting, the engine is set lower than the recommended standard. disregard the downward pointing "hooks" at the front of the on How to Measure Outboard Shaft Length: The Only Guide You Need, ePropulsion vs Torqeedo: An All-Round Comparison, 55 lb Thrust Trolling Motors: All You Need to Know Before Purchase, Spot Lock Trolling Motor: Is It Worth It & Best Options in 2022, Wiring 24V Trolling Motors: 24 Volt Wiring Diagram (with Video), LiFePO4 Battery: Why Lithium iron Phosphate Batteries Are Your Best Options in 2022, Minn Kota vs MotorGuide: Best Option in 2022. Higher mounting decisions should be left to the professionals. Follow Westshore Marine & Leisure on Twitter! Mounting the motor lower on the boat transomcan createexcessive spray, increase case drag, reduce underwater clearance, and negatively impact faster boats. It is extremely important that the boater understands the significance of the transoms height. However, you will need an understanding of how the degrees will alter the boats usability. %PDF-1.7 These two measurements will give you the length of the shaft you need. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. It is possible that the motor could hang low while transporting on the boat trailer causing future boat repairs. There are 2 steps to help get a relatively accurate figure. The average transom angle is around 14 degrees. Some fishing boats can handle the motor being underwater. Again, make sure that you are measuring to the flat part of the brackets; For most boaters this is a no brainer, but for the novice or inexperienced boater it may be a tougher question. Disclaimer: As an affiliate I may earn a commission on any qualifying purchases, including those from Amazon.com, at no extra cost to you read more. The transom is the rear wall of the boat where the outboard engine is mounted in the middle. Set the end of the tape on the outside edge of the taffrail at the center and measure inward to the inside edge of the taffrail. As summer approaches there will be more boaters taking to the water. To measure your outboard motor shaft length, measure from the bottom of the mounting bracket where it rests on the transom to the top of the cavitation plate, this is the horizontal surface of the lower unit immediately above the propeller. Get the latest updates on new products and upcoming sales, 2023 Marine Parts Warehouse Incorporated <> What Kind of Fuel Does Your Marine Engine Need? If you decide to make adjustments, please consult a marine engine dealer about the boatdesign. So in hopes that this will help out some new boaters this spring, here's a little rundown on outboard shaft sizes and how to figure out which one you actually need. And the rule of thumb is that you should keep the cavitation plate level with the bottom or keel of the boat. Place the bracket on the transom to the left of the main outboard or rudder. Charles Plueddeman is Boats.com's outboard, trailer, and PWC expert. Take a long straight edge, (long carpenter's level or long Measure the area of the transom directly where the engine will be mounted. On this type of boat, if you are in doubt, default to the longer-shafted outboard. When the boat transom is too low, the motor could end up underwater. #3. With it comes a lot of responsibility and new things to learn includingboat maintenanceand boat basics. The first step is to determine the height of your boat's transom. <>/Metadata 127 0 R/ViewerPreferences 128 0 R>> Pretty easy to figure out but like I said its crucial to pairing a motor with a boat. The propellers will also have trouble reaching the water. Any questions? By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Always weigh the risks of making adjustments. As mentioned above, the operation of the propeller relies on the transom height. var addy_textd53b59933f6c3f2e8b59f1b4a6d41fa5 = 'info' + '@' + 'vanssports' + '.' + 'com';document.getElementById('cloakd53b59933f6c3f2e8b59f1b4a6d41fa5').innerHTML += ''+addy_textd53b59933f6c3f2e8b59f1b4a6d41fa5+'<\/a>'; Knowing how this can affect the overall operation of the boat is a factor to be considered. bassboat can be a bit confusing at times; hopefully this will help sort Later in the article is an image that shows you exactly where to measure. (function () { According to MarinePartsMan.com, the outboard can be raised 1 inch above the standard height for every 10 miles per hour of speed the boat can attain. To break it down a bit more for you: Short shafts are 15-inches long. The motor is what powers the boat so the two go hand-in-hand. Smaller 12-14 foot boats can require either a short or long shaft outboard depending on the style of the boat and the brand. Re: Dinghy with a long shaft motor? Doing so, will put the propeller right below the boat. With it comes a lot of responsibility and new things to learn including, Why your boat transom needs to be the right height, The pros and cons of properly mounting the outboard motor to the transom, Standard mounting is always best for the beginner, Of course, its always best to go with standard practices when choosing the, Lower mounting is not for the beginning boater, Mounting the motor lower on the boat transom, There is a simple test to see if your outboard motor is set at the best height. MarinePartsMan.com also says that V6 bass-boat engines have a 20-inch shaft. Which Navigation Lights Does Your Boat Need? The performance of these boats depends on quite a lot of factors, but getting the outboard length just right is an essential first step. The distance between the ends of a transom is measured in inches. ensure that your measurement is accurate. To achieve 35 mph with a 6 hp engine, the total weight is 135 lbs (boat motor fuel passengers). Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. It is where the outboard is mounted, and some boat owners place the name of the boat. Raising the motor increases the speed of the boat while decreasing the effort needed to turn the boat. These allow the mounting of a standard length outboard behind the transom. I run a 9.9 Mercury Bigfoot 20" shaft off the swim platform of my 89 Trophy 2160. Beginning boaters should be aware of the boats measurements. They operate as a planing surface, allowing your boat to climb to the top more quickly. When you measure the width of the stern, mark the center with a grease pencil. from the transom. Ask a friend to hold one end of a measuring tape at the extreme outer edge of the top of the transom while you pull the tape across its width to the opposite outer edge to measure the "length of the taffrail," which is the width of the boat across the top edge of the stern. You The brackets can add 1 inch to the overall mounting height of the outboard. The general guideline for longer shaft outboards is that the transom height should be at least 20 inches (50,8cm) above the waterline. Offshore vessels are often equipped with a large mounting bracket so that the transom can be left at full height. So if you are measuring the outboard shaft length for the powerboat, planing boat, or any boat for which the speed is the priority, take the outboard shaft length 1 to 1.5 (depending on your boat types) shorter than standard would be better. A hydrofoil will typically level off the ride by driving the stern up and the bow down, and will stop or considerably minimize porposing on a 16 footer with a mid-sized outboard and no tabs, for example. An inch or two probably wont make a big difference, but any more than that will lead to trouble. AztH ^zv_ cT,E1K/rAB54| function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} Outboard shaft length plays a crucial role in the performance of your boat. Other boats that need extra long shafts are: Read my other articles on outboard motors. straight edge from the center of the pad, but this time you're measuring Recommended Engine Oil 2-Stroke Outboard Motor Oil. Depending on the manufacturer, size names might change. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. According to MarinePartsMan.com, the outboard can be raised 1 inch above the standard height for every 10 miles per hour of speed the boat can attain. The transom angle is the vertical incline of the transom and is measured in degrees. Doing this can have adverse effects. Cavitation plates are used on the bottom components of boats to help them operate better. On most newer center consoles and offshoreboat transoms might include a rear door leading to a swim platform as well as a molded setback bracket. Raising the motor increases the speed of the boat while decreasing the effort needed to turn the boat. var prefix = 'ma' + 'il' + 'to'; Knowing the width, height and depth of your transom allows you to make several important decisions when selecting or purchasing a new outboard. Theyre also useful if the back of your boat has a non-standard measurement. The center is the point where your outboard motor is (ideally) located. The outboard comes with mounting holes and brackets. straight edge on the top of the transom to "extend" it out The anti-cavitation plate above the prop needs to be within an inch of the bottom of the transom, therefore, the prop should be well below the transom. If you are running a twin-engine setup, then measure the same distance from each clamping plate to the bottom of the hull. Why wont Touch ID be under the screen in the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16? Make sure that you are measuring straight up, at a 90 degree angle to Generally, the anti-ventilation plate on most engines is aligned with the bottom of the vessel. Youll need a short shaft outboard if its 15 or less than an inch shorter. Your email address will not be published. Engine Oil Mixing Ratio Fuel 50: Engine Oil 1. <>/ExtGState<>/XObject<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 595.2 841.8] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> Tilt your motor until the bullet of the gearcase is The height of the transom is calculated by measuring from the bottom of the hull to the top of the transom, using the center line. If you have a fast boat, getting the outboards cavitation plate at the same level of the hull will ensure quick hole shot and fast top-end speeds. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Here is a picture that shows you exactly where the outboard motor shaft length stands: Usually the shaft length for outboard motors falls into the following 4 sizes: In practice, you may find the outboard motor shaft length varies among different brands and manufacturers like the Honda,Suzuki, Yamaha, Torqeedo, etc. It varies between different motors and boats. Here we will guide you in how to get the right boat transom height. To measure the transom height, measure from the center on for transom (rear of the boat). storeDisplayName: "Marine Parts Warehouse", Check out some hot FAQs to help you get the proper outboard shaft lengths. It also includes attaching the right engine. bracket. If you said you have a pontoon or a larger style boat such as a bass boat or speed boat, I would be pretty confident in saying it needs a long shaft. I would also recommend finding your maximum horsepower rating which is located on the yellow coast guard tag towards the back of your boat. Some fishing boats can handle the motor being underwater. But, how do you measure it? Use the mounting bracket on the motor to know where it will sit on the boat. Keep these numbers in mind if you ever have a need for a new outboard motor for your boat. So how to determine the outboard shaft length? The height of the transom is calculated by measuring from the bottom of the hull to the top of the transom, using the center line. This number will likely be shorter than that for a single-engine installation since you do not necessarily measure to the point of the keel. If possible for your peace of mind and not let down that magnificent purchase opportunity, place that 08 kicker at back transom and test for yourself. Knowing how this can affect the overall operation of the boat is a factor to be considered. Simply start with the engine in idle, followed bytrimming the motor out by one-half to full trim. Cavitation is when the propeller is out of the water due to the boat forming a wake of "air bubbles" or "vapor cavities" around the prop. Industry standards dictate that for short shaft engines the transom height should be 15. Say the 20 shaft is a long shaft length for gas engines, but it is a short shaft length for electric outboard motors. It can also improve the experience of driving a faster boat. function mpeInit() {
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