Dinghy transom height

[JimmyB]

I have a 10 foot Avon Dinghy that needs to be re-powered. As 2 strokes are not available any longer I am considering a 20 hp Electric start Suzuki. It weighs 106 lbs. My question to the group is, is there any negative to putting a 20 inch shaft engine with a 5 inch jackplate on it. It has a 15 inch transom. My rationale is that a 20 inch motor would have more appeal in other uses, such as a skiff. Jimmy

 

[bigbill]

jimmy, i'll talk with you this week while we are sipping cocktails on the aft deck. i dont think it is a good idea moving the weight aft 5 or six inches. i did it on the seabird(dirtybird) because i set it up for a 20 inch motor, and then bought a 25 inch motor. i'm thinking about unbolting and moving the bracket up 5 inches and eliminating the jackplate. btw i dont think a skiff has a 20 inch transom

 

[ohiohatteras]

I have a Zodiac Cadet 285. I've been running a long shaft Nissan for the last 3 years with absolutely no problems. The ONLY issue I have ever noticed is that my draft is more than all my other dinghy buddys.....

Clamp it on and go!

 

[JimmyB]

After extensive research I have come to the conclusion that a 15 inch shaft is best for me. An Avon rep said the jackplate would not be a problem as the Avon transoms are well built. The only issues would be performance related. My rationale for the short shaft is my usage. I tow the dinghy a lot and I feel the jackplate would raise the center of gravity a bit and possibly make it unstable. I appreciate everyones comments and in a couple of years we will see if this is the right decision. Jimmy

 

[JimmyB]

Here is a follow up to my situation.

The Suzuki DF20A EFI arrived and was installed. After a 2 hour breakin half throttle planed the Avon and ran about 20 miles per hour. No strain getting on plane with 2 on board. I installed a U-1 battery that cost $26 dollars and it started the engine about 20 times with no problem. The engine has a 10 amp alternator so it should keep the charge up. I tried the pull starter and it takes a lot of effort. More than I want to do. The engine is easy to tilt up and is really quiet. It came with a 3 gallon tank and 2 1/2 hours of running barely moved the gauge. The people at R and L trucking were a pleasure to deal with as well as the PortABote folks. The motor was under 3 grand and I am completely satisfied.

Jimmy