What shaft length should I have?

This topic has 9 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 13 years, 9 months ago by GL1.

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August 29, 2012 at 4:52 pm #347701

BDigital
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I am going to become the proud owner of a 2000 Bass Cat Sabre. It doesnt have the original motor. Currently it has a 1988 Evinrude 150 with a standard prop. There is no jackplate currently as well. I intend on upgrading the motor to a 2000 or newer Mercury 150 as well as a hydraulic jackplate. My question is what length shaft should I have to bring it up to stock? 20 inches or 25 inches. From my research the main thing that separates the two lengths is the lower unit. I am aware that there are some other factors that figure in to the overall length. But from what I can tell when you purchase from a dealer they offer the two different lengths. From what Im told the current manufacturer of the jackplate that BCB recomends no longer make a hydraulic version. So Im stuck with either a Detwiler or Atlas. How much set back should I get? 6 or 8 inches? Also any recommendations on a prop will be greatly appreciated. I thank you all in advance. Bobby

August 29, 2012 at 6:17 pm #347704

mike dominick
Participant

You need a 20 inch motor / lower unit. Personally, I would just get a fixed jackplate and spend your money on the motor or electronics. Id call BassCat and ask whether you ought to get a 6 or 8 inch jackplate.

August 29, 2012 at 7:28 pm #347707

BDigital
Participant

and the prop? If you cant already tell this will be my very first boat. Im going over this forum day and night trying to learn as much as I can.

August 29, 2012 at 7:51 pm #347712

toledobasser
Participant

I had a 1992 Sabre with a 150 Evinrude as my first boat and I ran both a 23pitch Shooter (4 blade) and a 24pitch Raker (3 blade) prop. The 4 blade was really good for holeshot and pushed the boat fine. I picked up about 3 mph by changing to the 3 blade. Those were the 2 props BassCat suggested on my application. You will love the Sabre. I kept mine for 17 years and sold it to a buddy of mine. It is a big enough boat to feel safe in the rough stuff yet small enough to get into some tight areas especially in the spring when they are up in the shallows and brush.Last edited by toledobasser on August 30th, 2012, 4:08 am, edited 3 times in total.Jim EbarbMany, LA (Toledo Bend Lake)2004 Cougar/ 225 OptimaxHumminbird Helix 12 Chirp SI on BalzOut Mount at bowLowrance HDS 7 at bowHumminbird Helix 12 Mega SI on Ram Mount at ConsoleLowrance HDS 8 in dash at console

August 29, 2012 at 7:51 pm #347715

mike dominick
Participant

Look at the Sabre owners gallery and you can see what works for most guys.http://bassboatowners.com/basscat_sabre.html

August 29, 2012 at 8:35 pm #347723

BDigital
Participant

Oh, ok I havent seen this part of the website yet thanks for the link!

August 29, 2012 at 8:55 pm #347727

GL1
Participant

If that old rude is running well, why replace it? As long as the updates to the oil injection system were taken care of, they were reliable engines. Not very fuel efficient, but neither are the new engines…A hydraulic jack plate is not a necessity at all, and, if this is your first boat, having one may give you one more thing to worry about. Your attention would be better spent on other things while driving. Welcome to the group, and enjoy the boat!!

August 29, 2012 at 11:15 pm #347731

BDigital
Participant

Im having the motor checked out. The previous owner did not have the oil hooked up. He was mixing the fuel himself.(DANGER! DANGER WILL ROBINSON!) Ill wait and see what the Mech Tech says. I already have a good offer for it from someone who needs some parts for it and is willing to barter for a 1999 Mercury 150. I have to double check on the shaft size though on the Merc. I agree with not biting off more than I can chew. I will admit that I am a bit gitty about getting the new boat. I want all of the bells and whistles for it. Just wait until my girlfriend finds out that Im pushing back her marriage proposal to buy a bass boat!

August 29, 2012 at 11:21 pm #347734

jbassertn
Participant

some things are better off kept to your self and not put out on the web haha and have a great time with that boat

August 30, 2012 at 12:23 am #347739

GL1
Participant

BDigital wrote: Just wait until my girlfriend finds out that Im pushing back her marriage proposal to buy a bass boat! Been there! Were married now though, so I guess it worked out. As far as the pre-mixing oil goes, not too uncommon with older Johnson/evinrude. The VRO systems had some issues, got a bad rap, and many just bypassed them. If the compression is good, get an updated VRO pump WITH the no oil alarm, and run it! Check out the evinrude forum on BBC for any questions on that motor. I had a 1990 Johnson and they were very helpful.
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