Long Shaft vs Short

[alex-v]

What are the problems, if any, if a long shaft outboard is placed on a 14 foot aluminum boat that has the transom cut out for a short shaft. It is a 9.9 outboard and will be the only motor on the boat.

[jmoser]

Its pretty easy to raise a transom - diffilculty is lowering it! :D

Obviously you will have less prop clearance to lake bottom, but the real issue is getting up on plane vs. chugging with the lower unit down deep. If you want to go fast this setup is no good - too much drag and / or the hull will jump off the water and slam back down - unstable and dangerous. If you are just putting around at medium speed it could be OK. A 9.9 on a 14 ft is plenty of Go-Juice, better to be safe.

My advice - install a transom bracket or other sturdy plate to just raise it up by the required 3 inches [17" vs 20" shaft.] A pressure treated 2 x 12 reinforced with angle iron should be plenty for a 9.9 - you must through bolt it to the transom with at least 4 3/8" caraige bolts, Can probably use existing holes if you remove the existing transom plate first. DIY for $20 and 1 hr.