I'm maxed out on lift. She's as high as I dare go and keep water pressure. Like yours, one hole from the top. My cav plate is level with the bottom of the hull. Toxic, WHEN I do trade up most likely next spring, because I have to part with the money pit! I will come down with my new rig whatever it might be with the V-Max 225 or 250 on the back and walk all over your Merc! LOL You can eat my roostertail! Don't get me wrong, I love mercs, but they have some Opti issues. Efis are great, but dollar for dollar, every Yammy I've driven is hot. They're fast, quiet, good on gas, and bullet proof!