On Wed, 06 Jul 2005 19:46:10 GMT, Don White
wrote:

prodigal1 wrote:
Now that I have your attention, the question is related to outboards. On
my vintage sailboat, aux power is an outboard going out through a well
in the lazarette. Currently a steeenkin 2-stroke 15hp Johnson, I'd like
to replace it with one of those sweet Honda 9.9hp 4-strokes. Currently
the Johnson in place is a 15in shaft. Any comments positive or negative
with respect to putting in a 25in Honda?

I would only buy a long shaft if required. I wonder how much of the
shaft in your current motor is underwater? Most sailboats do need a
long shaft when mounted on the transom...but yours may sit low enough
already.

That's true, but if you wish to transfer the motor to a tender, that
should be part of your choice. The tender's transom and its intended
use (and in what shoal waters) would contribute to your decision as to
shaft length.

I have a Honda 9.9 4 stroke on a 10 foot Zodiac RIB (i.e. fairly heavy
and solid). The shaft has a Doel fin and the shaft is 26 inches. The
thing is driven well enough by the Honda (which is 20 years old at
least) to get on the plane and make 18-20 knots with a large man (me)
in it.

Needless to say I like it and if you change the oil and keep the carb
clean and the sparks unfouled, I've found it very reliable. I also use
the magneto to charge a Harley AGM motorcycle battery, which I use to
power nav lights on the Zodiac.

R.