TOPIC: Long Shaft/Short Shaft?

I'm "outboard challenged"...bneed help. I have two old Mercurys, a 500 and a 350. Both measure 23" from the mounting bracket to the center of the prop. Are these long or short shaft engines? If short, what do the long shaft engines measure? Thanks

measure from the transom clamps to the cavatation plate, mercs will measure around 16.5" on a short shaft

Here's a link to a diagram that kind of explains and shows the locations of the measurements, Nautilus;
www.marinepartsman.com/installing-an-outboard-on-your-boat.html

This came from one of our members. Very helpful.

Excellent! That's exactly what I needed...an idiot-proof diagram. Looks like I have two short shaft Mercurys. Anybody up for a trade? My 1958 del Mar needs a long shaft Merc.

Good job Neil, that's the pic I was looking for but couldn't find it for some reason. Much simpler and easier to understand.

I happen to know where there's a long shaft Merc in your area Nautilus, I'll shoot you an email (PM).

Thanks Mark.
When I first saw that illustration, it simplified things in my mind about short and longs.
The praise truly needs to go to the person who put that together and I cannot remember who that is. (apologies)
Nautilus
I have a long shaft 500 that would work for the Del Mar but I am waaaaaay west of you. You will find the one you need.
Neil

That would be my diagram, although someone modified it with the red arrow & lines for another discussion awhile back...