changing motors on 18' ... problems?

[aaron]

I have an 1976 18'. It has the original 76 evenrude 115 with a 20" shaft. I want to put a mid 90's 115 merc. on it . The cowling on the merc. is approx. 14" taller than the evenrude,and will hit the aluminum splash well I made for it long before the prop clears the water when tilting the motor up. It would be nice to use a 25" shaft, but that looks like another nightmare. Any suggestions other than a large box full of money,or a bullet to the brain? P.S. I have photo's but don't know how to send them.