Outboard shaft length codes in model numbers
Reviewed 3 primary sourcesSee sources
Outboard makers put the shaft length in the model number as a letter. The letters differ between brands, and for Honda between model families, so read the code against the right table. These codes describe the motor as built; they don’t replace measuring your transom.
Evinrude and Johnson
Model years 1980 on
The length letter sits in the model number after the horsepower and feature letters, just before the year code. No letter means the standard 15-inch shaft.[1]
| Letter | Shaft length |
|---|---|
| No letter | 15 inches (standard)[1] |
| L | 20 inches (long)[1] |
| Y | 22.5 inches (special)[1] |
| X | 25 inches (extra long)[1] |
| Z | 30 inches (extra-extra long)[1] |
Honda
BF2D portable
In Honda’s type designation the shaft letter follows the model year or serial-break code.[3]
BF8D, BF9.9D, BF15D and BF20D portables; BF2, BF5, BF15 and 2000-and-older BF9.9
The shaft letter follows the model year or serial-break code in the type designation.[3]
BF25 to BF90
The shaft letter follows the model year or serial-break code in the type designation.[3]
BF115 to BF250
The shaft letter follows the model year or serial-break code in the type designation.[3]
What this doesn’t cover
- The Evinrude and Johnson letters apply to model numbers from 1980 on; earlier models are listed by model number only.[1]
- BRP’s 2005-to-present reference reads its example BE200DPXINE with X as a 25-inch shaft, matching the earlier letters.[2]
- Honda’s guide was revised in December 2012 and shows these families only.[3]
- Mercury, Yamaha, Suzuki and Tohatsu shaft codes: not covered yet.
- How to measure a transom to choose a shaft length: no manufacturer source is cited here yet.
Sources
Facts on this page are restated in our own words from the regulations, Coast Guard guidance and manufacturer documents below. Check the document for your exact model and year.
- Model Number Reference (Evinrude, Johnson, OMC)BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products) · 5006145 · p.2 Model Years 1980-1998; p.3 Model Years 1999-2001; p.4 Model Years 2002 and Up; p.5+ model/year tables · retrieved
- Model Number Reference, 2005 to present (Evinrude, Johnson)BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products) · 5008825 (© 2011) · p.1 Model Designation; 'Evinrude and Johnson Outboards 2005 - 2012' table · retrieved
- Honda Marine Model Identification and Chronology GuideAmerican Honda Motor Co., Inc. · Revised December 2012 (© 2013) · pp.1-1 to 1-5 Model Identification diagrams · retrieved
Primary publishers: BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products), American Honda Motor Co., Inc.. Spotted an error? Email the address in the footer with the model and the document you are using.