DS II - Long shaft vs. small shaft

[mnlburton]

The old 4 HP Yamaha (1985) finally died this spring. I am in the market for a new outboard and had my eye on the Mercury 3.5 HP 4 stroke, long shaft. Unfortunately they are not availbale from the factory for another month or two. The short shaft is in stock.

I sail on Barnegat Bay, NJ with my 1973 DS II with motor mount. Will a short shaft keep me happy or should I wait for the long shaft?

Thanks for the input.

[kellyima]

A short shaft johnson came with my boat, and it definitely cavitated in a chop. When it died on me, i bought a tohatsu long shaft from internet outboard. It definitely helped in the swells in the hudson river and stayed deep in the water. I'm mounting it directly on the transom. It might be different with a motor mount.

My understanding was that Tohatsu is the OEM manufacturer for the small horse power mercuries. Same engine, cheaper cost. This is what i've heard and based on my seeing the mercury engines, they look identical except for some cosmetic differences.

Check out the website www.internetoutboards.com, I got a good deal and a good engine, and no I don't work for them. Although a new engine is pricey, it really made me (and my crew) enjoy the boat much more.

Happy Sailing

[Adrift]

Tohatsu makes Nissan outboards as well as the smaller Mercuries. Same except for the color of paint and decals. Take a look at a 3.5 HP Tohatsu and save some money.

Here are some sources as well as specs & info:

http://www.onlineoutboards.com/

or

http://www.internetoutboards.com/

[mnlburton]

A new 4 hp -2 stroke - Mercury (2005 overstock) long shaft outboard should arrive in a few days. The distance from the motor mount to the water and its about 17 inches, longer than the short shaft. The 2 stroke is also about 10 pounds lighter the the 4 hp -4 stroke.

Now the wife and kids will be happy. The wind and the motor died on the first sail of the season!

[PromptCritical]

I use a Johnson Colt (1.5 Hp I think) and that gets me around just fine.

[bkafer]

I grew up on barnaget bay. If you run out of wind, you can just walk most of the way across the bay.
I'd wait for the long shaft.
You'll be glad you did. You won't have that annoying engine rev sound when it comes out of the water.