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I am mounting an engine with the standard bracket and it will require me to fill the blind holes and drill new holes like has been discussed well on this site before. After looking at all the reference here, I would like to describe my plan and get some feedback to be sure I'm right.

After filling the original blind holes, I will drill the green holes at 6.5 inches below the original top holes. I understand that I should be able to use the original top holes. The top bolts will be mounted through the last of the top holes...(see picture of the bracket on personal page. The bottom bolts will be mounted through the first of the bottom holes. If I measured right this will place the top of the bracket aboutt 1.5 inches higher than the top of the transom? Based on what i read this is desirable?

The boat is a 1982, 17 foot custom and the engine is a 40 mercury two stroke tiller with electric start and power trim. The boat is only outfitted with a wood bench seat across the back, one battery in back, 94 QT cooler in center, and 12 gallon gas tank forward. I was also wondering what prop might be good for this setup?

Thanks in advance. Joey