short leg versus long leg??

hi all i am just wondering what peoples opinion's are on the length of the leg on boat motors. reason being is that i have recently fitted another motor to our boat and the latest motor has a very long leg on it,its actually around 8 inches longer than the old leg and i am not sure weather this is a good thing or a bad thing.one thing i have in my favour is that both motors i have are the same (apart from leg length)so i can swap the leg over fairly easily! just wondering what everyones opinion is and or preferences??? thanks heaps adam

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fishcrazy's picture

Posts: 1235

Date Joined: 27/01/07

leg length

Thu, 2009-09-17 10:20

it depends on where the prop sits it needs to be at the right height level to acheive cavitation properly

just dhu it's picture

Posts: 1081

Date Joined: 14/05/09

motor

Thu, 2009-09-17 12:40

As mentioned before the motor has to be long enough to allow the prop to sit at the right height, its strange the old motor was so short and created no problem, in general when your boat is running at speed you should be able to see the top side of the cavitation plate and there should be no rooster tail or side spray coming of the motor, running to deep only creates drag on the motor , it also allows the power head to be higher up and not taking in water when drifting, maybe ask the motor guy , all transoms are designed and built to suit a specific size leg length

brenz's picture

Posts: 2182

Date Joined: 15/06/06

mate the hight of the

Thu, 2009-09-17 16:15

mate the hight of the transom will be what determins it for you not what you prefer unfortunaly

jersey's picture

Posts: 393

Date Joined: 12/06/08

Check the

Thu, 2009-09-17 16:53

Cavitation plate on the motor,(above the prop blades) from my understanding,the keel of the boat should be about leval with this,you can adjust the motor up with wood blocks and the bolt holes on the mounting plate and boat transum,some others on this site may be able to offer you more help.jersey

Posts: 286

Date Joined: 07/04/09

it makes a lot of since what

Thu, 2009-09-17 18:11

it makes a lot of since what you guys are saying thanks 4 the advice since there is a fair rooster tail now and wasnt before i will swap the leg over. not to mention that the old leg was original with boat so i guess that is the length i need once again thanks for the comments

 

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 A1 quality plasterboard installed if needed shops offices housing u won't find better quality or value with my work! Ceiling master!