Transom?

[tally20cc]

I recently purchased a project 1978 MA . The transom measures roughly 26" from the pad under the bilge drain to the top of the cap.
Would this be a factory 25" transom or did they ever make them that way from the factory?

It that is indeed a factory transom for a 25" engine does that mean that the deck will not have to be raised 3" or so to make it self bailing?

Also I pulle the tank cover and the tank is foamed in and other than around the sending unit appears to be in good shape. The tank is zinc oxide primed (greenish yellow) is /was this a factory job. I'm thinking aftermarket tank myself.

I plan on a complete restore of this boat with coosa transom and deck. Totally new wiring, narrowing the console, moving the batteries to the console etc.

I'm building my SeaCraft shed right now so I can work in the shade and keep the weather out of my way.