conversion kit for Outboard short to long shaft

[luckylady22ft]

I have a SHORT SHAFT 6 HP Yamaha 4 stroke OB engine on my 1988 23 ft Precision sailboat with the dropdown bracket. It was on the boat when I purchased it about 1 year ago. I assume the engine is about the same vintage but it no longer has the serial number etc. The motor runs great and cruises the boat well, but unfortunately with the short shaft when the lower unit is in the water at slow speed (no water moving over the rudder) the engine and throttle/steering handle is near vertical and so far below the top of the transom, it is very difficult to steer to make the 180 degree turnaround to get out of my slip and marina (almost impossible without manually hanging over the transom to physically turn the engine). Not a lot of fun.

Does anyone know of a short shaft to long shaft (or extra long) conversion kit for a 6 HP Yamaha? The smallest I have found is for an 8 HP Yamaha but not a 6 HP. Thanks for your help and ideas how to better steer the boat at very slow speeds to turn around in the marina,

[Dogscout]

I would look for a derelict or non running long shaft motor. Service the lower end and bolt it in place with necessary parts. If its that old ebay and craigs will be good source or just ask around.