My intent it to mount a pedestal seat on the auxillary frame that would interfere with tilting the motor if I mounted it close to the mounting plate. The rearward extension is actually one of the main points of using the lift, I'll probably attach an extension to the tiller as well to help keep it in reach. You're absolutely right in your points though and, believe me, I'm paying attention. There's no urgent rush to this, the only trip scheduled where I will need it is August 2013 next year, a GC motor trip. By then I should have a few Lower Main Gorge trips on it and the bugs worked out.

One possible solution to the tilt issue without the lift would be to block the motor mount out away from the mounting plate a few inches giving just enough clearance for an unimpeded tilt. All of this is just supposition at this point because the proof will be in putting it in the water fully loaded and seeing how things operate. It might be that I leave the lift on and operated the motor with the lift in the full up position. It remains to be seen. I'll let you know right here how it turns out.

One thing is certain though, whether I remove the lift or leave it, the mounting plate will still flex too much as it is so I'll have the re-enforcement done regardless before I take it to the river. Even so I'll get a stout cable and tether the motor to the frame or even a D-ring in case something breaks and my motor falls in the river. I want to be able to get it back if it does.