Thread: Short shaft and long transom

How about a used Jack Plate? Jack it down instead of up. I built on for a 10 hp. motor to use on a old bass boat for small lakes around home. I don't know if I would do that for as much horsepower as you are talking about, the only problem was had to move the motor far enough back to use the controls, makes it a little awkward but is uasable.

Are you using the motor as a tiller steer or wheel steer? I see a tiller handle, but also a steering cable. I have a fixed jackplate, it's basically 2 heavy aluminum channels drilled for the motor mounting bolt pattern. It's actually intended to raise a motor, but you could probably use it to lower the motor if your motor controls wouldn't interfere. it looks like your 30HP might have the screw clamps for the top. If that's the case, you would have to use a mounting board across the rear of the jackplate, then mount the motor. i bought the jackplate for $130.00 but never used it, I'd sell it for $100. Another alternative would be a kicker motor bracket, but I'm now sure they build them for 30HP.

Short shaft and long transom is the story of my life!

Why don'tcha just put a few Viagra in the gas tank and hope the shaft will grow?:rolleyes:

Jerry-rigging something like that is an accident waiting to happen!!! I fear your performance,stability, and control will be compromised!

You should see if you can swap or trade the 30 for a motor with the proper shaft length...even if you've got to throw in some "boot".

You may also want to check with your local Marine Patrol to check and see if it is even legal to do such a thing before you go ahead with "rigging" the 30.

Checking with you insurance agent (if your boat is insured) might be a good idea too.

Originally Posted by Shellback

Are you using the motor as a tiller steer or wheel steer? I see a tiller handle, but also a steering cable. I have a fixed jackplate, it's basically 2 heavy aluminum channels drilled for the motor mounting bolt pattern. It's actually intended to raise a motor, but you could probably use it to lower the motor if your motor controls wouldn't interfere. it looks like your 30HP might have the screw clamps for the top. If that's the case, you would have to use a mounting board across the rear of the jackplate, then mount the motor. i bought the jackplate for $130.00 but never used it, I'd sell it for $100. Another alternative would be a kicker motor bracket, but I'm now sure they build them for 30HP.

Well the 30 has a tiller the 50 had a wheel the wheel and controls from the 50 would work on the 30 How ill a jackplate fix a short shaft? Do you have a picture?

This might possibly work a little too spendy. I could attach it to the tilt and trim of the 50. I kind of doubt it holding up to the road and stumps.
I'm thinking about a mounting bracket that fastens to the tilt and trim unit.
That would be nice if it could work.
4 Stroke Outboard Motor Bracket 7-30 HP, 9 in. Travel - eBay (item 370286680323 end time Jan-05-10 12:57:53 PST)

I personally wouldn't cut a transom on any aluminum boat. Choke a while longer and keep looking, you'll find what you need.

There are aftermarket spacers that convert a short shaft to a long shaft, but you also have to replace the drive shaft. I did this on a 115 Yamaha when I removed the jet drive. Might find lower unit parts on Ebay.

Originally Posted by rockmike

There are aftermarket spacers that convert a short shaft to a long shaft, but you also have to replace the drive shaft. I did this on a 115 Yamaha when I removed the jet drive. Might find lower unit parts on Ebay.

That's a good idea. I found a long shaft lower unit but need the spacer
to make it work.
Where can I get one?