Put stock power in it, sell it, and get a boat that would appreciate that motor more ?
Something to think about.
Raising the drive enough and doing some bottom work may not give you what you are looking for. It may....but this will be a road never travelled unless you find someone with the same exact boat that has done this before.
But, some people like to go down untraveled roads and enjoy the challenge even if the ultimate result ends up be nothing.
Depends on you.
You are correct in what you say. I've built the motor for my "next hull" and the fact that it is in this one is only due to it's the boat I've had for 12 years. I'm looking forward to a 29 Ft or so next and am just starting to look @ hulls to transfer this motor into. But for now, it's what I'm running and I'm wondering what can be done for top speed. I am not willing to do ANY hull work on this boat. Again what should I be looking for regarding drive height? And yes, I own the fastest Arriva ever built and I'm sure of that. HAHAHAHA!!!!