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What is the right shaft length to choose for the eLite?

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To determine whether the standard or long shaft version of the ePropulsion eLite is appropriate for your boat, you’ wi’ll need to measure your boat’s transom height. This is the vertical distance from the top edge of the transom (where the motor clamps on) to the lowest point of the hull or keel at the back of the boat.

Both versions of the eLite feature a 4-position adjustable bracket design, allowing you to fine-tune the depth once installed. The target transom height ranges for each version are:

1. Standard Shaft Version

  • Recommended Transom Height: 28 to 40 cm (11″ to 15.7“ inches“)
  • Adjustable Shaft Length Positions: 28cm / 32cm / 36cm / 40cm (11.1″ / 12.7″ / 14.3″ / 15.8″)
  • Best Suited For: Small dinghies, tenders, flat-bottomed jon boats, and kayaks with low-profile transoms.

2. Long Shaft Version

  • Recommended Transom Height: 43 to 55 cm (16.9″ to 21.7″)
  • Adjustable Shaft Length Positions: 43cm / 47cm / 51cm / 55cm (17″ / 18.6″ / 20.2″ / 21.7″)
  • Best Suited For: Daysailers, small pocket cruisers, or inflatable boats/tenders with raised or standard “long-shaft” transoms.

Why the Right Fit Matters

  • If the shaft is too short: The propeller will sit too close to the surface of the water, causing ventilation or cavitation (drawing air into the blades). This results in a massive loss of thrust and poor efficiency.
  • If the shaft is too long: The motor will draw unnecessary drag, lowering your top speed and draining the integrated battery faster. It also increases the risk of grounding in shallow water.

Tip for Measuring

  • When you’re between sizes, size up — a slightly long shaft runs fine, but a too-short shaft will cavitate (propeller breaking the surface, losing thrust, overheating).
  • Sailboats almost always need the long shaft version. If the measurement from your transom bracket to the water is more than 12″ (30cm) we recommend the long shaft version.
  • When you take your measurement, ensure the boat is level. If the transom height is greater than 14″, the long shaft version adjusted to its shortest position (17″) usually provides the best performance and prevents cavitation in choppy water.