go 30" shaft, especially on a bracket. I have a 25" verado on a 30" bracket armstrong. bought that way.
get the glass bracket from hermco. spend the extra money-you will save it when you go to deal with metal hanging off the back and painting down the road. get as much positive flotation as can with the bracket.
dts is pretty cool though, and I can mount my hydraulic steering under the console
. however i will never let anyone at the helm again near the dock, they refuse to listen to ya when ya say-careful on the DTS you cant hear the motor and it is sensitive. almost ate my shorts when went to get the trailer and watched fiance throw the boat into reverse. folks are used to loud engines and cabling.