I've done lots of investigating on outboards as ill be needing one soon.
The F 9.9 4 stroke comes in a long shaft and a ultra long shaft. I was really keen on these outboards until i discovered that the long shaft (20 inch) has a electric and Manuel, where as the Ultra long shaft (25 inch) is only electric. I think this is a bit of a down fall, because 5 inches is a fair bit.
I think I'm sold on the 9.8 Tohatsu 4 stroke 25 inch long shaft because its Manuel, finding the ultra long shafts is hard as there all electric.
I know for a fact that it wont fit in the well has i was using a new 2 stroke 9.9 short shaft Yamaha which was way to big!
Don't forget its more about the prop. I'm sold on the 4 blade, with little pitch cant remember the exact dimensions off the top of my head.
But my advice is modify the well its not all that hard.
Good luck in the outboard shopping,
Dawn Breaker
P.S I'm rubbing back the top sides because the primer showed up many imperfections that i wasn't happy with. While rubbing away at the transom i found some history.
Turns out she spent some time at Hobson's Bay Y.S in Port Philip Bay and Carine's. No stranger to the ocean or road hah