I'd be careful using a jackplate to mount the motor lower on the transom. With the motor down in the running position, you probably wouldn't be able to trim the motor very much. Trimming would pinch the controls and fuel between the motor and transom. If you hit something submerged and the motor popped up, you'd be SOL. You'll also be moving the motor further back, which means it will be that much lower every time the stern dips down.
If you're going to keep the motor, you'd be better off using the money to buy a 30" lower unit. That or build a seagate to keep the water that gets over the transom from coming on deck.
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