In article ,
prodigal1 wrote:

Now that I have your attention, the question is related to outboards.

Oh, could it have been about anything different on *this* list?

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?

If the Johnson was okay, then a short Honda will do you well.

If you were going to a similar 15 HP motor, I'd say to go for the
sailboat (high thrust) prop and gearing, which might require the longer
leg.

If you want absolutely maximum reserve power, go for the thrust even if
it requires the longer leg as the additional drag will be minimal with
your keel.

If, on the third hand, you can actually retract the Johnson into the
well when it's not in use, you may have to make a decision.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/

Jere Lull wrote:

If, on the third hand, you can actually retract the Johnson into the
well when it's not in use, you may have to make a decision.

Well this would be the ideal situation. The boat was originally spec'd
to have an 8hp short shaft that would retract into the lazarette with a
sleeve that would lower down to cover the well opening. I'd like to
recreate this rig, but the issue is not being able to get a remote
start/throttle/shift kit for the smaller Honda motors.