how can I lift this up?

[Blahst]

When I bought this boat a couple of years ago, the outboard was mounted deeeeep in the water (about 4.5inch)- even mounting it in the upper bolt holes with the mounting bracket - the centerline of the prop is still 3inches below the pad but is markedly improved.

Problem is - the bracket already lifts the engine up about 3.5inches but still with 3.5 inches below the pad- but most jacking plates only seem to have 4inch of travel.
The current mounting bracket arrangement moves the top outboard mounting bolt about 6-7inches from the transomt from memory (I've lost the bl$%dy dimension and can't remeasure till the w/e) and I don't particularly want a setback of umpteen feet. Current setback was 7-8inch? Not sure - will have to confirm that.
Do you think I could get away with a Bobs manual jacking plate reversed so it only gives 2.5inches of setback mounted in between the current mounting brackets and the outboard?
Any forseable or better alternatives?
Thanks fellas in advance.

[Blahst]

I'd better clarify - no I don't have a low water pickup and no I don't have a water pressure gauge - and yes I will be getting a water pressure gauge this week).
Cause the bl$%dy prop is so deep - it doesn't get much speed at all - only just breaking 60mph with a 26inch prop (plus the reeds were shot which I'm replacing this weekend as well).

[Fast Fred]

send the Foot to Fast Fred, he'll put a cone low water pickup on it for ya, welded, with 100% epoxy fill. thay look like this
http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/2382/p8230019at0.th.jpg (http://img176.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p8230019at0.jpg)

[Blahst]

Thanks mate, but until I work out how to lift up the outboard -there's no point in fitting a low water pick-up.

[Rickracer]

And the motor? Intended usage? Gotta establish a goal before planning to get there. The answers to all these questions will figure in to determine the best way to accomplish your goal. :cool:

[Blahst]

Intention is only to get to 75mph - 70mph is probably good enough with reasonable hole shot for stock eliminator drag racing (break-out at 75mph). I'm not real interested in pushing the upper etchelons in racing.
I figure that the boat should be capable (19ft mod VP arrangement).
If the boat ain't capable - then I'll sell it and get something else.

[Rickracer]

It's used, for example, for running a 25" shaft motor on a 20" transom, it basically moves your BIA bolt pattern up 5". You could use something like the Bob's MJ5 or MJH (heavy duty 5") to fine tune the height from there. :cool: