[wildlifeone]

I have a 23 1972 i/o conversion with a 2000 ficht 225. and an armstrong bracket that I recently put on myself. i had the same issue with the curve in the transom. dont worry when you tighten up on the bracket bolts evenly it will all come togther with not much of a gap. 5200 willmake it look grwat. The stern of the boat came up 1.5 inches with wide body bracket. I didnt see any great increase in speed.I cruise at 4000rpm/ 32mph.and wide open 5700/ 44mph.the only thing I might caution you on is the height of the bracket mounted on the transom.On mine I mounted it about 1 inch higher than the specs and I still run my motor almost in the top hole. good luck