Standard Shaft vs Long Shaft on a 26D

[ricklee_v17]

I recently acquired a 26D. The boat came with a very nice 6hp LS but my father has offered me his very nearly new 15HP, but the shaft is a standard length. I like the idea of the 15HP because I like the idea of reaching hull speed without having to run the motor wide open. The area that I sail in has fairly strong tidal currents as well, and I would like to have the headroom to bring the boat to speed under power regardless of the tidal status.

My questions are these:

1. What do I risk by putting on a larger motor than the boat is rated for? The motor is a 2 stroke but is the same weight as a 9.9 of the same era.

2. What do I give up by not using a long shaft? The MacGregor Brochure states that the boat will take any outboard but that is vague.

3. Anyone have any practical experience in this area?

4. Anyone want to buy a 1973 Venture 17?

Thanks,

Rick

[Chip Hindes]

One of the Conch Cruisers tried to run a short shaft OB on his 26S to Bimini and back.

Don't remember the HP but big mistake on the short shaft. When the seas came up a little and the boat pitched the prop came all the way out of the water. He could not do better than three knots; he was a hazard both to himself and those who had to remain with him.

[Moe]

Outboard Long Shaft Extension Kits

Also check the outboard manufacturer's parts catalog for a kit.

[baldbaby2000]

I agree with Chip. We temporarily had a short shaft on our Mac 25 and everytime someone went forward the prop would come out of the water.

BB

[ricklee_v17]

Thanks for all of your replies! Very helpful!

[ronacarme]

My 88 26D had a Nissan 8 2 str long shaft on the transom and in rough conditions, with me on the foredeck changing headsails, on occaision, would lift prop out of water and overrev.....shortshaft OB would have been a real problem.....Ron