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 Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums
 Catalina 25 Specific Forum
 Outboard Motor Shaft Length		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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Deborah
1st Mate

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USA
36 Posts
Initially Posted - 06/24/2012 :  09:47:09  Show Profile
Does anyone know if a 20in outboard shaft will be long enough on a catalina 25
1985 Catalina 25 Fin Keel #5160
"Mottley Crew"
Spring Grove, IL
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Davy J
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1511 Posts
Response Posted - 06/24/2012 :  10:05:56  Show Profile
It might work, but you would be much better off with a 25" XL shaft.
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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9082 Posts
Response Posted - 06/24/2012 :  10:45:31  Show Profile
How far is it from the top of your lowered bracket to the waterline? If it's 20" or less, then the anticavitation plate above the prop will be below the surface, but probably not by enough to prevent some prop-spinning when you go through waves big enough to make the boat pitch. It might even suck air into the cooling system if you go forward with the engine running. (I had that happen with a 20".) If you're buying an outboard, extra-long (25") is best.
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Joe Diver
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1218 Posts
Response Posted - 06/24/2012 :  12:59:56  Show Profile
Before I bought my new SailPro this year, my little Yamaha 5HP motor was a 20".

On my lake, current, waves and swell are not an issue. The most I have to deal with is wind driven chop...2' to 3' at the most....or an occasional big wake from an obscenely large cabin cruiser.

Never had an issue with the prop coming out of the water....but when backing out of my slip, going into forward and applying throttle....it would suck air down to the prop through the little vortex swirls. I had to be easy on the throttle, controlled, until the boat started moving forward fast enough to stop this.

I don't have any idea where you are or conditions you may encounter...so can offer no usable advice whether the 20" shaft will work for you or not.
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szymek
Navigator

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Canada
209 Posts
Response Posted - 06/24/2012 :  13:52:32  Show Profile
As comments above - It all depends on conditions where you sail. I would say 20" would be bare minimum. I just bought new motor for my c25 and i went with 25" XL shaft.
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Hide Away
Deckhand

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USA
1 Posts
Response Posted - 06/24/2012 :  14:30:01  Show Profile
I upgraded to a 9.9 with 20 inch for my 1985 TRFK last year. My location is an inland lake and this arrangement works well. I can understand if you motor in very rough conditions the extra 5 inches will insure the prop is covered. When I decided on the 20 inch long shaft, the deciding factor was the weight of the motor that I have to lift out of the water each weekend and there was a 23 lb difference for a 9.9 hp. Performance for the 9.9 drives my boat at 6.1 mph per gps measurement in light chop.
The longer shafts also provide large props and more thrust if you need it for rough conditions. Hope that helps.
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Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5408 Posts
Response Posted - 06/24/2012 :  19:43:12  Show Profile
Deborah
Welcome to the C-C-25's forum. Hope we can help advise you.
I am assuming that you sail on Lake Michigan. (or you may sail on a smaller local lake)
Probably little current on Lake Michigan, but when those Easterlies kick up, the waves can get pretty fierce! As several have mentioned here, if the waves are a problem, you can find your prop out of the water when you need it most.
In Long Island Sound we often get choppy conditions, and even with an XL shaft, there are times when I wish it were a little longer!
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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts
Response Posted - 06/25/2012 :  11:34:58  Show Profile
Is a 20" shaft long enough?

As was mentioned, a 25" shaft length is the best, but having said that, I've been using a 20" shaft length on Lake Erie for 17 years without any real issues, but if I'm on the bow when singlehanding and the boat is pitching, even slightly, the prop will pop out of the water. Since I have roller furling, I very rarely go to the bow under outboard power.

I've found that when waves are such that the boat is bucking like a bronco, that relatively little 5" of extra length wouldn't make much difference and it is better to maneuver under sail as you would have better stability and control.

If your boat came with a 20 inch outboard, I'd give it a shot to see if it is adequate for your sailing venue. If you are looking to repower, you might have something to think about.

When in doubt, go deeper.
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pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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2402 Posts
Response Posted - 06/25/2012 :  18:35:55  Show Profile
I would not buy one.
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dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts
Response Posted - 06/26/2012 :  07:49:05  Show Profile
It depends on your motor mount as well. For lake conditions, a 20" shaft might work on an original mount. Measure the distance from the top of the lowered mount to the water, preferably with a crew person at the bow. If it is more than 18", you would be better served with a 25" shaft motor.
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
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.