I'm dealing with dry rot in my 1994 Crownline 225 CCR. The engine mount stringers need to be replaced. The big block Mercruiser motor mounts are now lag bolted into the stringers. I want to build new stringers that will use thru-bolts and U-shaped stainless steel plates under the motor mounts. My question is in regard to the U-shaped steel plate design. I realize that the two rear mounts pretty much determine where the front mounts will 'land' on the engine mount stringers and that the front motor mount adjustment is normally described as turning the motor mount nuts to make vertical adjustments. As I design my "U-shaped" steel plates to go over the stringers and under the motor mounts, I'm wondering If I need to consider adjusting / aligning the front of the engine horizontally - not just vertically. I could drill holes in my steel plates that match perfectly the diameter of the bolts on each side of each motor mounts OR I can make the holes somewhat larger sto the engine can move both vertically and horizontally. Do I consider horizontal engine movement to property align the engine and build my new stringers and thru-bolt, U-shaped steel plates accordingly?
