Help! Please provide input

[DetroitIron]

Hello all,
I have a 14 foot aluminum Meyers "super pro". Its a bit bigger than a regular Meyers 14 . The transom is set up for a "short shaft" motor.

Anyway, I got a great deal on a 25 hp Johnson long shaft motor I could not pass on.

My buddy says I either need to "build up" my transom to accept this long shaft motor, or I could purchase a "jack shaft" for the boat at about $225.00

What is the the best to do?

My buddy says if I go with the jackshaft, I can adjust it so it will make the motor "more efficient" therefore getting best gas mileage, and be able to do "full throttle" launches.

Another buddy says I don't need this, and I could build up the rear transom a couple inches with some good wood like mahogony

Has anyone built up their transom / or used a jackshaft to allow the use of a longshaft motor for what was originally a shortshaft transom? I'm not sure what to do?

Lastly, if I went with the jackshaft, what model do I buy?

Thanks very much in advance for your help.

Mike

[Blue Skeeter]

You said your boat is set up for a short shaft which is a 15 inch middle section. Is the engine a 20 inch long shaft or a 25 inch xl shaft model? I honestly have never seen a jack plate on such a small motor but i cant see why it wouldnt work. As far as mofiying your transom that just sound scary just putting a piece on top. Your set bolts are only going to be on the piece on top not on the old transom at all.

[frenchriver1]

Pictures have been shown on the forum before, do a search....

[DetroitIron]

I just did a search, I see no pictures anywhere.

[dogditcher]

Mike
I just purchased a t-h mini jacker that is made for your problem-

its too wide for my square back canoe -if you want it its yours for $45.00 -just getting my money back for it

heres the info info from where i got it

Mini-Jacker for Clamp-on Outboards
Slightly Used, Excellent Condition!!
This cast aluminum offset type jack plate is designed for clamp-on mount outboard motors up to 35 HP. Improves performance and handling of smaller or lighter boats. The Mini-Jacker also allows mounting of long shaft motors to shorter shaft transom boats. Mini-Jacker mounts to boat transom with bolts and then engine is simply clamped and/or bolted on. The Mini-Jacker stands off transom 4". The engine mounting surface is 11-1/2"Wx10"H and features a vertical offset of 3". The overall width of transom mounting flange is 17". Mounting hardware not included.

http://i7.ebayimg.com/06/i/001/10/4b/dbd3_1_b.JPG