1996 Osprey 225 Motor Upgrade..... shaft length question

[Rocket1010]

Been a member since picking up a 225 Osprey last year, lots of great information here for sure. Thanks!

My 225 Johnson has seen its better days and I am looking to upgrade to a newer outboard. I have found several aggressively priced 30" shaft length motors. Will this cause issues or should I stay the course and install another 25" unit?

Thanks

[Capt. Bob]

Well the hull was designed for a 25". The 30" will need to be mounted higher (jack plate ??) or you will lose performance. I'd keep shopping for a 25".

Good luck.

[GoneFission]

If you get a super deal on a 30, it's not a big deal to convert a 30 to a 25 - much harder to go the other way.  For some models, all you need a 25 driveshaft, shift rod, and water tube.  Take the 5" spacer out from the mid, change the shaft, shift rod, and water tube, and put it back together.  Now you've got a 25.  Sometimes you can cut the water tube and not have to replace it.  And lots of shops have driveshafts laying around...

Good luck!