Bracket on 20 CC

[JohnC]

I am about to buy a 20 CC to restore and the plan is to replace the transom with a full transom and install a bracket. I have looked at 2 other boats that this was done to as well as photos of another one and all of the brackets were installed about 5" above the waterline. I assume that this was set up so that a 25" shaft outboard would fit properly. This setup seems a bit odd to me. Am I missing something? I guess having the powerhead another 5" out of the water is advantageous but it looks odd to me. couldn't you just have the mounting surface extend above the top of the platform 5" more. I also frequently crawl out of the water with dive gear on and 5" from the surface would be dificult. Please educate me.