The boat currently has an Evinrude 40 hp prop (20" shaft) and I want to switch to a jet. The options are to convert the existing engine to a jet and probably need to lift it at the transom with a bracket or jack plate. I could buy a used jet outboard so that would give me the option of runnign a 15" jet or 20" jet. I'm finding engines of each length in the area so what would be the preference? Obviously the short shaft limits what boats you could use the engine on in the future if I were to sell the boat and keep the engine, but I'm not worried about that. I'm thinking the 15" shaft might work better since it wouldn't need to be lifted. Also, can you run a jackplate that sets the engine back 3-5" or will that mess up the location of the jet intake too far behind the boat? Here's what the boat looks like now.