Two questions.
1. Can I put a 12 HP Honda on my exisiting Beavertail platform? If so do I need to make any adjustments?

2. I trailer a 14 foot Carstens Cavasback fiberglass sneakboat. I trailer the boat with the Beavertail mounted to the transom. The shaft extends off the back and I use tie-down straps to stabalize the handle. Do you have any other suggestions for stabalizing the handle? I damaged the cover on the front of the motor where you pull start it while transporting it. During transport the motor bouncing slightly causing a small dent so when I pull started the motor the rope did not retract.

You will need to drill additional holes to accomadate the larger platform that the Honda takes compared to your 6.5. The holes spacing where the engine mounts is a lot longer and marginally wider thah the 6.5. You may be better off jacking up that 6.5 to a reasonable level that will get you where you want to go. We have done thousands of these if you need help getting a lot more power.

Also, the bigger engine has a larger crank diameter which may cause a problem with your clutch or sprocket. You will also need to move the engine closer to the center of the boat to get your sprocket alignment right.

Thanks

Thank you. Im in Michigan. What state are you in?

6.5hp beavertail only has a universal joint no clutch or sprockets.You will need to get another u-joint if the shaft on the 12 is larger than the 6.5,and you will have to see if the shaft is higher on the 12 than the 6.5 it will not line up right.You can look at northern frieght they have alot of motor specs there.