2004 20v prop shaft length

[liam]

Hello guys I'm Liam, this is my first post but I am in need of help. I have a 2004 20v. It was imported into Australia 5 years ago by someone in a million pieces and once he saw it he thought it was to big of a project so sold it on. That's where I come in, I brought it as pretty much a hull with a wiring loom and bits and pieces a lot missing. I'm a mechanic so thought I could restore it to it's former glory. After 12 months I am almost there. I have put in a new mercruiser a new velvet drive and new vdrive. I have a few problems but my main one at the moment is the prop shaft doesn't seem long enough. That's where I hope someone from here can help as there isn't much help here in Aus. It's in the boat but roughly measured it up to 45inch. I only just revived a acme 1433 prop and no way is it going to fit. I'm thinking it's the wrong shaft it was supplied with the boat it's 45 inch long and should be around 47 inch long I think.....Was wondering if anyone could help me out with the size as I'm hanging to get this beautiful boat on the water soon as it's almost summer here. The boat is 90% finished with only a vinyl wrap and upholstery to go. I have pictures but was going to wait until it was finished completely to show yous my before and after work. It has turned out a million times better then expected just a few hurdles to go. Thanks for any help in advance Liam

[boatwakes]

Is the 45" shaft installed? Why won't the prop fit? With the shaft installed in the coupler and bolted to the v-drive the taper of the shaft should start about 2" past the strut. The shaft diameter should be 1 1/8" as well. You can get the correct length by installing the prop shaft coupler to the v-drive and then use a tape measure and stick it through the strut and through the stern tube until it bottoms out in the coupler and then measure to 4" shy of the rudder.

[liam]

Thanks for the response. The prop shaft was installed and the key way and taper were both in the Skeg. I removed prop shaft today and measured as you instructed and found it should be 48 inch long as that will put the prop about 4 inch away from the rudder. The shaft I had was 45 long by 1 1/8. So guess I just need to find a supplier for a 48 by 1 1/8, any recomendations?