Outboard motor recommendation. And long or short shaft ?

[Pfmiller]

Looking to add an outboard to my Viper. Looking for recommendations make and long or short shaft. Also, dyi bracket or purchase factory ready bracket. Thanks. Pat Miller #221

[Will Nye]

I don't have an out board the Viper that I sail on. I do have one for my Beneteau First 24 SE though. It is a Epropulsion 3 hp. That boat weighs 2,000 pounds and it will push it at @ 5 mph for about an hour in flat conditions. I have a long shaft but for a Viper I would go short shaft.

[Pfmiller]

Thanks for the information. I think short shaft is the way to go and past forum topics reference the Suzuki as the go to recommended. Now I have to track down a bracket. Unfortunately, PHRF requires an outboard for our region.

[Todd Cowen]

I have the Torqeedo short shaft which I mostly love.  really nice not to deal with fuel and run quietly.  It is a tad delicate but I am 10 years in and still going strong.  Part of the plastic tiller brok but not essential.  I have replaced one shear pin and one connector but parts are easy to find.