I have a 5 hp 4 stroke w/ long shaft on da Tank (a 20 ft. alum w/ cuddy cabin) & it works great. Made up a steering link arm myself outta a hunk of angle, 2 air chuck fittings and turned down cone nuts. If your interested in details give me a shout. IMHO you do need a standoff bracket for da kicker (rather than mounting it on da transom.) Otherwise you'll have problems w/ turning as the 5 hp has to turn at a much greater angle to move the boat than a bigger hp mtr. The further aft location of the kicker in relation to the big motor makes the link arm work right. & Do get a controlking (the single best thing I ever did on da Tank.) My cell (603) 313-4030

All the best,

Gary

Thanks for all of the replies. Been sick and just able to see again. Wow, did that suck.

Anyways, I"m close to getting a motor. But it appears to be a super long shaft (or i'm measuring wrong) at 23". Does that sound right for a 5HP Mercury?

Yes, the engine I have is 23" shaft and it is a 9.8 HP.

Sounds like you either need a extra long shaft motor or a drop down bracket for it.

Actually bought the one I have been looking at. It looks like it is going to fit. And it is a 20 inch. I guess you have to measure from where it will be mounting to the cavitation plate. On the 4/5 hp models this is a bit lower than the base of the motor. which is fine by me as it gives me more clearance.

AGain, thanks for all of the replies on this.

-Brian