250 or 300XS measurement request

[Matt Gent]

I'd appreciate if an owner of a 250xs or 300xs could take a quick measurement for me. Looking to determine if the existing setback on our boat will work for a new engine, or if it should be updated as well.

What I'd like is the vertical height from the lowest bolt hole (upper set of holes) in the clamp to the propshaft centerline. See red dimension leader in image below:

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh299/mattgent/Boats/Optimax-300XS-Offshore-Sport-Master_dim_zpselitgqih.jpg

For reference an OMC V8 is ~16.5"

Also, out of curiosity, when searching for this image I can see there are little flange extensions with holes in them right next to the main clamp bolts. What are these for? Circled in orange. Powerpole or boarding step mount tabs?

Thanks
Matt

[Matt Gent]

Alternatively if someone has a rig in South Florida (say Hollywood to Vero) I can come measure it myself, take 2 minutes.

Thanks
Matt

[Euroski]

I have a 300xs offshore and will measure later this afternoon.

[CircleHook]

"Also, out of curiosity, when searching for this image I can see there are little flange extensions with holes in them right next to the main clamp bolts. What are these for? Circled in orange. Powerpole or boarding step mount tabs?"

Those sure look like the ones that were on 6V tramsom brackets thur late 90's I have an '95 XR6 that still had them - not sure what the purpose except for me to spot an older midsection real quick. My newer stuff - 2000 up does not have them-

[Euroski]

23 inch on mine with driveshaft level

[Matt Gent]

23 inch on mine with driveshaft level

Thank you. This is on a 20" shaft engine?

[Euroski]

Thank you. This is on a 20" shaft engine?

yes

[Todd D]

"Also, out of curiosity, when searching for this image I can see there are little flange extensions with holes in them right next to the main clamp bolts. What are these for? Circled in orange. Powerpole or boarding step mount tabs?"

Those sure look like the ones that were on 6V tramsom brackets thur late 90's I have an '95 XR6 that still had them - not sure what the purpose except for me to spot an older midsection real quick. My newer stuff - 2000 up does not have them-

Trim indicator mounts

[Onetime]

They were originally for an electric power steering set up that Mercury offered in the 90's. The electric power steering set up was long ago dropped by Mercury.
Don't know why they kept them there. Easier then changing the dies? Maybe like Todd said, as some manufacturers do use them for a trim indicator set up.