Ok I have built 2 long tails no problems on the 2nd one first one a bit of a learning curve , That being said i going to build a surface drive from what i have read the down tube ( belt housing) needs to be 3 to 4 inches above the bottom of the boat correct and the actuall "shaft tube" needs to be 2 inches above that ,does this sound right also the boat it is going on has a 15 inch transom , this is a winter project Thanks for your help Mario

Sounds about right.Good luck

Thanks Mario

Yes. The housing needs to be about 2 inches above the bottom of the boat. As far as the exit for the shaft tube that will depend on the size of pully you use. One of the other issues you will have if you have not addressed it yet is shaft bearings and seasl.

Thanks I have started having the bearing and shaft housing machined bought bearing and seals hopefully it will be done saturday an d thanks for the heads up on the pulley size