Rib Engine Shaft Advise

[Locozodiac]

Hola

Will be delivering in some weeks 2; empty console & seats, short shaft transoms 420 & 440 Ribs to a client for surfers towing purposes. The maximun factory recommended engine is 40 HP short shaft for both models, would like to know what would be the advantage or disadvantage issue of using the same 40 HP but in the long (20") shaft engine. What problems in the long run would be expected to have, any transom issues ? Any imput data will be highly appreciated.

Happy Boating

[doggypaddle]

if a short shaft is whats recomended then i would think that would be best to use. the longer shaft will be slower and use more fuel because of extra drag on the gearbox and leg, also there is a greater torque and hence strain on the transom, although this is not very likely to cause a problem. there is also obviously a greater chance og skeg damage from grounding. Also i have heared stories of two-strokes not idling properly and being difficult to start if the leg is too low in the water because of extra back pressure in the exhaust system.
not a definitive list but a few ideas to think about,