I did adjust the motor up slightly this weekend. I was afraid of going too high as the boat is in the water and I don't know how much movement or play there is in the cutless bearing and I cannot inspect it. While working on the mounts I am not sure they are in need of replacement as they still look ok. However I don't know how much gap should be between the two metal plates. If anyone can tell me how much alignment the cutless bearing will allow I would appreciate it. The last thing I need is to have it pile up and shorten our already short sailing season here. Perhaps this is a project for when we haul out.