Dumb nubie question: long shaft vs short shaft

[rpilote]

Hi all, I am new to the site..I recently purchased an 88 180BR with a 135 Merc outboard. It had a broken piston. I have located and bought a 93 replacement real cheap, but the shaft is about 4-5" longer.. Can I install the longer shaft engine as a complete unit, or do I need to swap shaft and lower unit? I know you cant install a short shaft on a boat requiring a long shaft. Thanks for any help I can get..Rich

 

[rpilote]

Wow, I figured someone here would have an answer..Rich

 

[penbroke]

Yes, you could install the motor with the longer shaft but it's not a good idea. The increased drag from the extra 5" of housing in the water will greatly reduce your speed and increase your fuel consumption. You would be increasing the stress on the transom by lengthening the lever arm that the prop is pushing on. You also would have your prop much lower in the water and more exposed to damage. It might even drag on the ground when you trailer.

If you have two motors that are the same make, hp and era you can usually swap the parts around to change the shaft length. They are designed to be swapped around to change the shaft length. It shouldn't be much of a job.

Good luck!


Frank

 

[rpilote]

Thanks for the advice Frank...Rich