I have the 9.9 Yamaha 4-stroke long shaft on my 22 foot sailboat. The longer shaft
gives me more latitude in getting the prop deep enough in the water for rough seas.
I'm using it in conjunction with a Garelick spring loaded mount, which is large enough
for me to also raise the engine high enough to tilt it out of the water. I think this is a
better choice for most sailboats, unless you plan to move it around to other things, like a dinghy,
where weight becomes an issue.

Sherwin D.

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?