In a message dated 9/15/2005 10:08:36 AM Pacific Standard Time, steve@appliedphotonics.com writes: possibly a water intake issue as I remember I would guess the water cooling could be an issue with most long shaft OB's. Part of what makes the Honda 2 so nice is it is air cooled, so there is no water intake. It also makes it easier to clean after salt water use. Another thought, I dont think a longshaft is necessary if one is using a retractable motor mount, as in the Garhauer used on the new M-Boats. Since we use the rudder to steer, as opposed to the engine, I believe after lowering and starting and adjusting the throttle, one could use either long or short shaft, I cant see where there would be a difference (since the mount lowers the motor) Bill