for the old cutout transom M17s the Suzuki 4HP or 6HP (same motor, the 4HP is just a 'de powered' 6HP ... the 6HP has the external tank option) is great. the reason the Suzuki works great is the control/throttle arm is set closer the center of the powerhead than other motors. a control/throttle arm that 'sticks out to the side' is difficult to fit into the transom cutout - do some measuring before you purchase a motor. DON'T, in my opinion, be tempted to put an outboard motor mount on the transom. the boat will sail better with a motor mounted in the cutout (a weight balance issue). when Jerry modified the hull mold, and make the new deck mold, in '82 he removed the cutout because of 'market forces', not because the transom mounted motor mounts are superior. a 20" will work fine ... a longer shaft could be a challenge as it will drag in the water (maybe?). -- :: Dave Scobie :: former M15 owner - www.freewebs.com/m15-named-scred :: M17 #375 SWEET PEA - www.m17-375.webs.com On Sun, Sep 6, 2015 at 9:24 PM, Bill Ruth <Bill_Ruth@whidbey.com> wrote:
Plan on buying Tahatsu 5hp or 6hp long shaft (20") to use on the cut out transom of my newly acquired M17. Would a 25" shaft work better (Tahatsu 6hp SailPro)?
Bill Ruth M17 1977 #277