was wondering which is the stouter unit of the 2 and why? thx in advance for sharing. ratman

My understanding is the 3a and the 5 have the same size shafts.... the major difference is the " X " dimension. 3's are taller and were designed to run submerged.... 5's were designed to be on the surface. But.... I had 3's on my boat and they( and the motors) had been raised so that the props surfaced.

According to the service manuals, the SSM IIIA and V have basically the same assembly procedures and torque specifications, which are all higher than those for III's and IV's. You don't hear too many stories about any of these units failing, but in theory they should both handle about the same amount of power.

Same drive different height.

Are the "net forged gears" also available in a 3A as they are in a V?