Leg Sizing & Transom Heights Explained

OK every outboard in production from 2hp to 350hp has a sizing of it's leg. This is determined by the transom height of the boat. To better explain see diagram below:

The distance between the 2 red dotted lines is called the transom height and can be measured ONLY in inches. This then equates to the leg size of the outboard. The following leg sizes are available as a standard from all the manufactures outboards:

Leg Size	Definition or Common Name
15"	Short
20"	Long
25"	Extra Long
30"	Ultra Long
35"	UUL (rare)

IMPORTANT: Rather than you measure the above we have devised a simpler more accurate way of obtaining the leg size to suit our covers. PLEASE IF YOU ARE NOT 100% SURE OF YOU LEG SIZE PLEASE USE THE METHOD BELOW WHEN ORDERING. Guessing or thinking you know will cost you $140 to replace the leg on a full/combo cover, so please use Diagram 1 below & or read information about Diagram 2 it may be relevant.

OK measure the motor from the very top dead centre (middle of outboard) right down to the skeg or lowest point. We are just wanting the overall height and from this we can work out the leg size. If you are ordering we have provision on the order form for you to take a guess but as soon as you enter measurements we will assume you don't know the actual size and use the measurements provided. USE DIAGRAM 1 below.


Diagram 1		Diagram 2

Diagram 1: Honda, Tohatsu, Nissan, Parsun & Suzuki outboard do not show the leg sizes so please provide overall height instead unless you are 100% sure.

For those that are reasonable familiar with outboard engines some manufactures place the leg size on or in the MODEL number on the ID plate.

Diagram 2: This only applies to Mercury, Mariner, Yamaha, Johnson & Evinrude (please if possible provide model number). This is usually located on either the left or right hand sides just where the mounting bracket from the motor to the boat are or just under the power head (don't take the cowling off) where the trunk of the leg starts at the top. Remember it can be on either starboard or port side of the outboard depending on the make.

Some of the codes you are looking for will be similar to the ones below, HOWEVER some models vary and in some cases the model codes change yearly. These are provided so you have an idea what to look for.

Manufacturer	Model Code (may look similar to these)	E.G.
Mercury/Mariner	HP (e.g. 90) ELPT or EXPT	90ELPT
Johnson/Evinrude	J or E then HP then letters depending on year & leg	E90XISC
Yamaha	See below. But normally leg size is directly under the HP
Click Image to Enlarge
Also Mercury/Mariner & Yamaha bring out "special" legs either called HIGH THRUST or Big Foots. You would have paid extra for these models & they don't normally have them on motors much over 60hp. They are used for commercial outboard or Yachts or where the motor is pushing a lot of weight. All they do is provide a bigger gearbox and prop for more down low grunt.