Motor height is not the same as trim angle, so lets do them one at a time. First, the customary height for the motor is so the anti-ventilation / cavitation plate is even with the bottom of the engine pod (i.e., the large structure that supports the transom and motor. From your pictures it appears that your motor is 3-4 inches too low. That will increase drag and reduce your top speed. If you can easily raise the motor on the transom, try it higher and see if the performance changes. ... Second, if you have power trim, you can adjust the motor underway until you get the optimum speed and steering for whatever power setting you are using at the moment. If you don't have power trim, I suggest you start by setting the axis of the propeller so it is parallel to the bottom of the boat, and try it out. If you want the front of the boat to ride higher underway, adjust the motor so the propeller is farther aft and points slightly upward. Reverse that if you want the front to ride lower.
