Outboard motor location Q?

[JohnMickish]

I've been reading on here about people moving their motors up and down in relation to the transom. What exactly are the pros/cons of moving your motor up and/or down? Is there a guide to go by in relation to the anti-cavitation plate or the bottom of the boat? I stopped by a boat dealer and was looking at the used boats and the motors are all over the map, some up, some down and some in the middle.

[Valv]

As an example I can give you mine. Crestliner Sportfish 1750.

I had to replace motor 1 day before going in vacation last week. I installed a used one on second hole from the top. Motor was too hight, it ran fine but boat was still plowing a little at WOT and fully trimmed, I needed more bow lift which I couldn't achieve since prop started to cavitate at max trim.

Lowered it to top hole, and now it's perfect.

By rule of thumb your cavitation plate should be even with bottom of boat.