Ready, set, don't go.

[robk]

So, after spending the last 6 months getting my Tahiti ready for the water, I've redone/repaired almost everything on the boat in some form or fashion. After finally finishing my pump rebuild and 99% of the minor details, I decided to take it out for a cruise today. I started to connect the drive coupler to the motor and...
Discovered that the motor is anywhere for 1/4" to 1/2 too high at the back.
Any suggestions? The rear mounts are held to the stringer with only two bolts (as far as I can see/remember).
I imagine the motor will have to come out and that's not a problem, but what am I going to have to do to the stringers? I don't imagine I would get terrific results by just drilling the new mounting holes a little lower. Is there any way to patch the holes and redrill? Or do I need to replace the stringers?
If there's anyone in the North Orange County area that wants to help me out on this one, I'll provide the beers.
Thanks
Rob

[Nucking futs]

Where about are you? Im in Orange at Main and Chapman. I could swing by one afternoon this week and take a peek for ya.

[bakerjet]

the engine and pump connection are made to be offset to keep your u-joints in good shape.

[robk]

Where about are you? Im in Orange at Main and Chapman. I could swing by one afternoon this week and take a peek for ya.
I'm up a little ways from the 57 and Imperial in La Habra... I'll send you a PM.
the engine and pump connection are made to be offset to keep your u-joints in good shape.
The offset is there angle-wise, but the coupler I'm using is a single u-joint rather than the coupler with two that is typically seen. I sort of figured it might become a nightmare when I first saw that. I would have used the normal double u-joint coupler, but there isn't enough room in the boat to move the motor forward enough to accomodate it.
Is anyone else having any success with a coupler like this? I remember a few folks mentioning they had them, but I think it was all project boats.
Rob