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I have a 30HP Honda short shaft (15") outboard that I'm hoping to fit to a Whaler 13. But, I really like the smirked version of the boat which is the higher transom model (except for some 1972 models that are pretty scarce).

Given that the Honda short shaft typically mounts high on a "cutout" model i.e. it doesn't rest on the transom, but is elevated by picking holes that raise the engine, is it possible that the SS Honda 30 might actually put the cavitation plate at the right height for the non-cutout model? From what I've read in other posts, ideally the cavitation plate is about 1.5" above the keel.

Has anyone tried this? Usually I hear the opposite, long shaft on cutout transom. This is just the opposite. Blow out on corners, adequate cooling, are of key concern, so if someone has done this, I'd like to hear from you.

If not, can anyone provide the distance from the top of the transom to the keel? I can get measurements off my engine to compare. I can then determine if it would end up at the 1.5" above keel level.