putting a long shaft on a 15" transom

[say_der]

I cannot find a used 25-40 hp motor in my price/age range in short shaft. What happens if I put a long shaft motor on my short shaft boat?

I'm assuming it won't plane correctly & I'll obviously need to be more careful in shallow areas.

Anything that's a safety concern?

Thanks.

[Valv]

There is no safety concern. Can you add 5" to your transom height ? Sometimes transom has a cutout that is lower than rest of it, you can add or find and add-on to raise it's height.

[say_der]

The transom goes straight across. I suppose I could weld some supports back there around a new board. I need to replace the board anyway.

[BIG DS]

Check with your local marine dealer. If they deal with Bell industries or Hannay's, both carry a transom extension that is 5" tall. It is designed to bolt to the transom so that you can use the longer motors. Good luck.