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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Short/Long Shaft Outboard

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williamtbecker
Deckhand

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USA
13 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/20/2008 : 22:14:38

I'm looking for a used outboard for a Catalina 25. I'm having a heck of a time finding an extra-long shaft outboard (which everyone seems to be recommending) for the boat, but there are short shaft engines everywhere (and occasionally long shaft). First, I wanted to know what range of shaft lenghts are good for a C25. Second, I was wondering if anyone had tried to make a bracket which would drop a short or long shaft motor down far enough. I am an engineer and am comfortable designing something which would drop the engine down, but have limited experience with outboards in general, so I didn't know if this was a bad idea for a reason I hadn't thought of. The only bad thing I could think of was that the motor would have to be another 8" further back from the boat, which might add weird loads to the lowering bracket.

Any advice would be appreciated!
-Will

Baltimore, MD, USA

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 05/20/2008 : 22:27:38

William,

The problem with lowering the bracket to use a shorter shaft outboard is that the outboard's powerhead is then closer to the water which makes it susceptible to being swamped.

If you are looking at used outboards, see if the brands you are considering offer extension kits to turn short/long shafts into XL's.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 05/20/2008 : 23:22:21

Hi Will... Don's right about getting the powerhead too close to the water in serious chop. From your location in MD, I'm assuming you're sailing on the Chesapeake--not exactly a pond when the breeze is south or north. If you're going to spend money and want to spend it wisely, spend a little more to get a 25" shaft that will keep the prop down and the engine dry. (...and think about a nice 4-stroke.) This is a 15+ year investment that'll make you happy or sad--your choice.

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3477 Posts

Response Posted - 05/21/2008 : 05:47:15

Being an engineer, most times doing it right the first time is worth the money or time to find the right solution. Also, the KISS approach minimizes any addl work involved...should not have to re-engineer the dropping down of the outboard motor bracket to ensure it is low enough. Easiest solution is to utilize a bracket that has same hole pattern that exists thru the transom and has the correct number of springs for the weight of the outboard you wind up getting. The lighter 4 strokes, the original bracket (assume it is a Garhauer) may do the job or else the 3 spring model of same mfr via Catalina Direct. the heavier 4-strokes, the 4 spring model works best.

It is possible that one could get by with the regular shaft otuboard but as others haveindicated, the wave action out there makes it less desireable to stay with a regular shaft if buying another outboard. My own experience with the old motor (which was finicky and I replaced it) was that even in the Potomac River, it would sometimes get noisier as the outboard would rise out of the water a bit and when the chop was greater, then the outboard would uncover or get very close to uncovering the water intakes. The going to the longer shaft outboard solved that issue. That and replacing the bracket with same mfr bracket made for an easier installation and something I do not have to revisit - A definite improvement.

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glivs
Admiral

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USA
836 Posts

Response Posted - 05/21/2008 : 06:08:56

Will,
Also recognize the 25'lever arm of your boat length. If your boat is rigged such that someone must go to the bow on occasion, the motor is lifted upward. Even with XL shafts, this can cause your motor to cavitate if there is any chop at all.

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williamtbecker
Deckhand

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USA
13 Posts

Response Posted - 05/21/2008 : 06:53:52

I think part of my problem is that I am definately looking for a good 4-stroke already :-).

I looked at lengthening a Honda 9.9 (which I found used) to an extra long shaft, but spoke with my local honda dealer and they said that the parts would run about $1000. That would bring a used motor a lot closer to the price of a new one, and if i'm going to be that close, i'd rather go for a new one.

Does anyone have any ideas other than craigslist or local papers to find used outboards? I really don't want to buy something I can't see and hear run, so I don't really want to go the Ebay route.

Thanks again for all advice.
-Will

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williamtbecker
Deckhand

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USA
13 Posts

Response Posted - 05/21/2008 : 07:00:02

Sorry, while i'm at it-

What is the shortest shaft length I should be considering? Another newbie question - where is the length measured from - between the top of the mount bracket on the motor and the center of the prop, or the fin which bumps out above the prop?

Thanks,
-Will

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3477 Posts

Response Posted - 05/21/2008 : 07:02:34

It's possible that a local marina with a store/engine service may have used outboard's for sale. Chances are if they sell used outboards, they would also be likely to be in a position to provide service for it if ever needed in the future.

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quilombo
Captain

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USA
301 Posts

Response Posted - 05/21/2008 : 07:32:31

all good advise here, all I can say is get the longest shaft possible and mount it correctly as it should be
I found a real nice extra long shaft mercury mariner 9.9 with all the bells and whistles including a remote etc, on ebay for a really good price 1000.00 bucks, and considering what a new one costs, it was a good deal

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Even Chance
Captain

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USA
393 Posts

Response Posted - 05/21/2008 : 07:39:40

Will, I sailed on the Chesapeake for years with a 20" shaft. It will work, but believe me, 25" is better, especially when the seas get big. You need a motor mount that will lower the shaft into the water -- the Garhauer/Catalina mounts will do that.

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 05/21/2008 : 09:20:17

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by williamtbecker
 ...What is the shortest shaft length I should be considering? Another newbie question - where is the length measured from...?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">Will... The extra-long shafts are generally stated as 25", which is apparently the manufacturer's "recommended transom height" for a planing hull (which of course you don't have). Another measurement is from the inside of the clamp (top of the bracket or transom) to the anticavitation plate above the prop, which on a contemporary XL outboard is about 27" and change. A "long" is about 5" shorter. That 5" makes a surprising amount of difference on a 25' pitching boat.

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 05/21/2008 09:21:47

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 05/21/2008 : 09:49:18

Do it right or you will waste the money you do spend, how thrifty is that?

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.