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Well, I redid the drawing again so Tom and I can get our thought together. (maybe just me :-)

The black colored holes represent the 4 existing holes in the transom if your engine is mounted using the blind holes in the engine bracket.

The red holes are the standard BIA placement and cannot be drilled in 16/17' classic hulls due to the splashwell design. Do NOT drill the red holes.

If you raise the engine up 1 hole, and then drill the yellow colored hole, you might be able to do this and clear the inside of the splashwell according to Tom. (read above posts)

If you raise the engine 2 holes, and then drill the green colored hole, this will definitely clear the inside of the splashwell. At this point, the engine may or may not be mounted too high. Another prop with more gripping power may be needed. (again, read above posts)

[img]http://www.whalercentral.com/images/Mounting_Bolt_Pattern.jpg[/img]

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Paul, thanks for the photos and the input.
I don't think you can drill the newer engine brackets like you did with the older engine in your photos. I just don't think it is possible due to the design of the newer brackets.
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We all know we could use a setback bracket and use the existing holes but that is NOT the discussion here. We could also use lag bolts but that is also another story.

If anyone has any other ideas or has raised their engine up 1 or 2 holes to do what we have been discussing here, please let us know.