Motor clearance

[a_zailor_is_praying]

So I'm looking around at different motors I may want in the future.  Right now I'm kicking around a brackish lake with a 55 lb thrust electric motor and it suits me just find.  But when I decide to venture out in the bay, I'll want something like a 2.5 HP motor.  I know that power recommendations are discussed to death on this forum, that's not why I'm posting.  I'm posting about what considerations I need to give for clearance between the motor mount and transom which doesn't come up much.  I'll attach a picture of my motor mount.  Is this the original mount?  It comes down and out another 6 inches or so when extended.  What considerations do I need to give for clearance between the mount and the transom, especially for a tiller steered motor.  I'm concerned that I'll drop $1000 or so on a motor only to find that it doesn't fit.  And none of the engines I've looked at give that spec.  Advice is appreciated.

Picture:
https://imgur.com/a/6FlkwU3

[Gerry]

I had the same problem on my CP16.  This forum had the answer.  Look up "motor mount extensions", add a couple of blocks to the back of the motor mount and away you go.

[mikew]

Hello, I understand your concern about motor clearance on the bracket. Your picture looks like the stock Compac outboard bracket. I have had a number of 3-4 hp outboards on my Compac 16 with no clearance issues. Consider the shaft length too. Outboards come in short or long shaft lengths. 15"/20" The boat and mount will handle a short shaft motor, I think you are concerned that a short shaft motor in the down position will not have proper motor handle clearance. Some engines may be able to steer with the handle on a slight up angle. An advantage of a long shaft motor is it will not pull out of the water, in heavy swells. Another advantage with clearance is that some long shaft motors can be used with the bracket in the up position and your motor tiller should be clear to swing.
A disadvantage with the LS is when tilted up out the water for sailing the prop may still drag slightly
In the water. If I had to buy another motor today I would get a 2.5 , the 4 strokes have a lot of torque, and are light around 30 lbs.
So maybe find the  model outboard you like and repost with that same motor on the forum to get an
exact  answer before you pull the trigger.
Mike