I purchased a used Mercury 8hp kicker and measured the shaft to be 20", which is what I need on my old Lund Tyee. Come to find out it is a 25" extra long shaft. Everything I have read says its not a good idea, but can be used. I hate to admit my ignorance, but what is done is done. Should I go ahead and use it or sell it and get the correct length.

I respect your opinions.

Thanks

I had an aluminum bracket made which allowed me to use a 25" kicker on my boat.

you could consider mounting one of these to your transom http://www.marinetech.info/pmarine/pmarine_detail.php?sku=550405
it will also help keep the little motor further away from the water level.
HRG

Thanks for the information. The static motor mount looks like it would work well. I knew someone on here would have a good idea.

I added a 4" extension to the leg of my old 16" shaft kicker so it wouldn't cavitate as esily when in reverse. Having the cavitation plate deeper solved a lot of problems I didn't know I was having until I moved the prop deeper.
I'm not seeing the problem with a 25" shaft if a 20" would put the cavitation plate even with the bottom of the boat.

The seller (a dealer, I assume) should take some responsibility...too.
Maybe they'll work with you on taking it back...?

No/Message

A friend of mine sold a kit to lengthen a motor. So, they make those. you may want to check, they may make something similar to shorten it.

I purchased a used Mercury 8hp kicker and measured the shaft to be 20", which is what I need on my old Lund Tyee. Come to find out it is a 25" extra long shaft. Everything I have read says its not a good idea, but can be used. I hate to admit my ignorance, but what is done is done. Should I go ahead and use it or sell it and get the correct length.

I respect your opinions.

Thanks

If the only thing wrong with having a kicker with a shaft too long is things you read about, just leave it.

What seems to be the "Problem"?

I wouldn't think there would be too many problems with a kicker too long. Does it get out of the water when tilted up and the big motor is pushing the boat on plane? That's about the only issue I think you 'could' have.

It should still push the boat forward, backward, and turn to the right and left.

It should still start, run etc.

Typically, it's the short shaft motors that are a dog to sell. The long ones seem to always be an acceptable alternative.

I don't think it will be a problem either. I will get it mounted and make certain that it will clear the water when tilted. If not I will purchase the static motor mount and that should solve the problem. Thanks for the advice.

I don't think it would be a problem either. My new boat has a 25" transom and I bought my kicker with an extended shaft rather than wait three months to get one the right length. When tilted it up it is out of the water when I am on plane and when it is tilted down the prop is at the same depth as my main engine. It has been working fine for me for three years now.

It will be useable...but his boat only has a 20" transom.
Depends on which model "older" Lund, too.
Might be just the ticket on an older Fishermen (1993-1995).
They had a step up style transom cutout.


Much better than getting a kicker that's too short, I must admit... ;)

I installed the Panther static motor mount and it works great. As you said, it gets my motor up further from the water and looks great. Thanks so much for the suggest, I am more than satisfied.

I installed the Panther static motor mount and it works great. As you said, it gets my motor up further from the water and looks great. Thanks so much for the suggest, I am more than satisfied.

Thanks for the update. Make sure you tell your buddies you intended to get the Panther plate all along.:bigsmile:

HRG