gjersvik
Member II
SURPRISE Deux, an Ericson 25 would not make sternway no matter what I tried. While looking though the manual I found out that the boat should be powered with an extra long shaft outboard. The previous owner had this sternway problem too, only his solution was to go with more power, a 15 hp long shaft up from a 9.9 hp; I can tell you that this did not work. A long shaft has a 20" shaft and an extra long shaft is 25" long. Unfortunately, it is very expensive to buy new conversion parts for a Johnson 15 hp; however, I was able to find used parts and completed the conversion. In the photo, the conversion has already been made and the old parts are shown, 20" shaft, 5" housing, water tube, and shift lever. The conversion parts ran about $400, and as long as it works, it will be well worth it. I will also be removing the adjustable motor mount and start the season with the motor hung directly in the transom cutout as originally designed. Hopefully this will make a big difference, but I won't know until spring.