Ron, Like most things, everyone has a different opinion about long vs. short shaft motors. I went with the long because I thought it would be easier to crank. However if I had come across a good deal on a short shaft I would have been happy with that. If I had to motor a long way before I raised the sails I might want a short shaft. I suspect the transom would block more of the motor noise with a short shaft.
Whether you have a short shaft or a long shaft the operating position of the prop and cavitation plate is the same. The height of the power head changes, as does where the motor mount should be located. I went with an adjustable bracket, after being unable to tilt the Honda up on my older style fixed bracket. I set the bracket so that the second from the bottom position is normal running. That way I can drop the motor a notch and keep the prop in the water if I have to go up on the bow. This position also helps when waves roll the boat, lifting the prop from the water. steve Steve R. M-15 #119 Lexingon, KY _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats
