Original mount
I have a '79 Oday 23 too. Last year, I replaced the OEM outboard mount on my boat. I was unable to raise it because the springs had broken, it was becoming wobbly, and the mounting board was rotting. I bought a new direct replacement from Rudy at D and R Marine. Their website is in the links section of this site. Rudy can sell you a bracket that will match the original mounting bolts spacing, eliminating the need to redrill through the spacer block and the transom. I too leave my bracket in the lowest position and tilt the motor in and out of the water. It's just too much effort to raise and lower a heavy engine and so long as the engine can be completely clear of the water when tilted, its perfectly fine. The bigger problem is that the original outboard bracket was not sized to accept a four stroke engine; I don't think they even made four stroke outboards in 1979. Four strokes are not only heavier, they produce more torque than the equivalent horsepower two stroke. To answer your question directly: yes, you are taking a chance using that engine on a twenty three year old bracket that was not sized to accept it in the first place. That being said, I think a three year old four stroke outboard is a great thing. I would opt to buy a new direct replacement bracket from D&R that is built to accept a four stroke. It is really easy to replace. Access the back of the bracket through the storage area under the port cockpit seat, unbolt the old bracket, and install the new one. Take the opportunity to replace the nuts and bolts. You may need to special order the bolts (you can special the correct size stainless carriage bolts from West Marine), but it will only take a few days.
