Do you have a short shaft outboard?
Only short shafts. I refuse to run a long shaft. I’ve ran 2.5, 9.8, 9.9, and a 20hp 4 stokes as well as a 7.5 2 stroke on the 15. My speeds have ranged from 6mph to 22mph and decided to upgrade to a 18’ this season. Only ran the 9.8 though I bought a 15hp to try. The boats are limited on their top end speed because of the hull so you really won’t see a major advantage of the 15-20hp motors except with weight IMO.
Long story short. Stick with the 15…I’ll share why later. Though the 18 does have some advantages.
Yes, short shaft. I know it would work on some rivers but would like to get across some skinny riffles and gravel here and there.
Does anyone have experience on a long tail versus twister tail versus outboard jet on a kaboat? If so pros and cons please? The curved shorter shaft of the twister tail looks to have an advantage if the curved shaft will clear the rear end of the tubes. Kevin L
I’ve used a few different longtails. I do plan on buying a twister tail this summer to give it a go again, unless I find that good deal on a longtail. I want to run a 9hp mud motor for next season since i will be moving to a shallow part of the river I’m on. More rocks. More bars.
Thx Yukon! Really interested if curved twister tail shaft will impinge on rear tubes of kaboat when sweeping 180 degrees maneuvering. Also prop wear vs impeller wear and fuel economy for deep back country trips prop vs jet. Kevin
You may be surprised at how shallow you can go with a short shaft. I’ve been able to tilt the motor to where it’s barely in and still putt around. Not fast. But faster than paddling.
Yukon, I’m getting ready to purchase a 16’ Kaboat outfitter triton with TBD motor in prep for late Sept lower Yukon unit 18 moose hunt. Plan is go up tributary far enough to get away from hunting pressure with enough fuel/ economy to hunt 10+ days and get back. I have one picked out. I suspect this will get quite shallow and skinny. Comments/ suggestions welcome. Also still looking for a partner.
I am up the Kuskokwim River in McGrath. Running my prop I was able to go very skinny and people were amazed at how far I went. I just didn’t go fast when it got shallow. I also have a rowing platform on mine but didn’t use my oars like I should have. I used one as a paddle.
Boat won’t go faster than 22-24mph. Hull speed. Its all science. 15mph is the sweet spot IMO with these.
