23 CC Engine Mounting

[Trey1096]

I’m looking for some advice on the repower of my 1974 23 SF. I know the subject has been beaten to death, but I’ve seen little dialogue on any mounting options besides bracket/no bracket.

Currently I have a pair of carbed Merc 2.4 200’s mounted on the transom. They’re pretty good motors, but they’re long in the tooth and very thirsty. I blew a head gasket earlier this year, and now the same engine has blown another head gasket. Since the season is winding down, a repower seems like a good thing to do over the winter.

I plan on hanging a ’04-’07 single 25" Merc on a jack plate. I’ve narrowed the engine down so all I have to do is decide 225 or 250, regular Opti or Pro XS. I plan on letting the best deal make the choice.

The thing I’m having a problem with is the jack plate. I was thinking of taking a hydraulic plate, mounting it so that fully down is where the engine needs to be for normal operation, and having the ability to raise the engine for shallow water operation.

I’ve looked the various brands and it seems that most have a 5” or 6” lift and the Porta Bracket has a 12” lift.

Will 5” or 6” be enough lift to really help shallow water operation? I’m not wanting to plane out, but I like to run in deeper water to a spot, then slowly ease into the grass flats. I’ve always tilted the engine, but that pushes the stern down and steering is aggravating.

Does anyone know of a “slide” type plate with more than 6” of lift?

The other option is a fixed or manually adjustable plate that’ll allow me to mount an engine with a 30” shaft.

Any thoughts or opinions?

Thanks,

Trey