20" or 25" shaft length ?
 

Redoing my transom on a 75' V20 I need a new ( used ) motor. I was wondering if I should close up the Transom to accept a 25" motor. I don't know which motors in the 175 hp range are more common, 20" or 25"? Thanks for any input.

If the transom is solid, I'd be hard pressed to build it up just to accept a 25'' motor...on the other hand, if there's the slightest bit of weakness toit, do it now as a 25"...that way you hang your motor when you get it and forget it...my '74 is a 20'' and I'd change it inna heartbeat, but now I'm stuck w/a fairly new 20'' motor...

Thanks for the comeback, actually the whole Transom has been cut off already, it was like brown dirt in there. So it seems not that much extra work to just go all the way up and make the cap straight. Just not sure which size was more available when buying used.

Good...go back w/ taller 25'' no question about it...motor will tilt higher outta the water and you'l have more height to keep water out...as far as availability, I would think there are more 25s out there than 20s because in recent years more boat manufacturers have gone to 25'' trannsoms...

If you're good w/glass and got some time to spend on it, you can always "go all the way up", make a full transom of it and maybe mold a bait-tank into it...if you're prone to such foolishness as live-bait fishing maybe...keep in mind, these early hulls are not "self-bailing"...if you make full transom of it, you'll need to run scuppers thru and even raise the flloor deck to drain water...at this point, you got lots of options...

If you go full transom, definately get 25'' motor...the shorter 20'' on a bracket will more likely bury in the wake when you slow down...pictures of your upcoming work if you can...befores and afters are always great!!:pic:

Joker2, Reel is right bring it up if you can. I brought my transom up to a 25" over the winter and that 5" makes a huge difference I have only been able to get out a few times so far this year and I have already noticed it really keeps the water out and your motor high and dry.

Thanks guys, you just confirmed it for me