Pei Go with the long shaft. It'll keep the prop in the water in waves. Hp probably depends on where you keep the boat but if its anything like the SF Bay I would recommend 5-6 hp. ymmv Tom Mc

:: The outboard (a 8hp, 1986 Evinrude 2-stroke) on my S22
:: (#523) had an heart attack so I'm in the market for a
:: outboard. The Evinrude is mounted on the transom
:: cut-out. It has a shaft length (as measured from the top
:: of mounting bracket to the cavitation plate) of 15".
:: When the motor is lowered into the operating position
:: the capitation plate is a couple of inches under the
:: water surface. And it seemed to have worked fine.
::
:: After window-shopping a bit, I'm not sure whether I
:: should go for a 20" or a 15" shaft length. What do
:: people have/recommend?
::
:: Also, the newer 4-stroke 8 hp outboards look a lot
:: bigger/heavier than the Evinrude I have. Would a 6-hp
:: (or even less?) 4-stroke be adequate?
::
:: thanks!
::
:: Pei