23 Seacraft w/Verado 250 question

[Gaffer]

New Classic Seacraft owner here.

My 1972 23 Seacraft currently has an '99 Yamaha ox66 250 30" on it. Have an opportunity to pick up.an 07 verado 250 with low (650) hours at a decent price. 30" shaft as well

My main question being will the boat sit much lower because of the added weight of the verado? I have read that these hulls were rated up to 400go but I don't want to spend the money only to find my feet are constantly wet or boat is porpising because of the added weight.

The transom was redone in 05. It is not bracketed. Do I have to stick with a 30" shaft or is a 25" shaft fine as well?

My other question is would a 300hp Verado make more sense because it is same weight as 250? OX66 is running fine so no immediate need to repower and I could definitely wait for the right motor. I am in the Northeast so it is a rare day when I could go over 45 mph so top end speed not the critical component

I would consider other engines so open to suggestions