Brand new mid hp motor?

[RidgeRunner]

New steering installed and it took out all but the smallest of play in the steering. Lake test revealed that the issue where the boat was misbehaving has been resolved. Speed run of 46 mph with two people on board. Ferman, I didn't get to lake test your props yet. With the additional person I could tell the holeshot was a little slower and the lowest speed to stay on plane went up to 13.5 mph.
A quick snapshot at cruise of
30MPH 4GPH Fuel burn for 7.5MPG -- That is what the Mercury tests showed for 3500 rpm on their test mules too..
What a PITA taking out the old steering. As I already suspected there were no place to tie wires once the old cable and head were out of the way. I cut and fit a 6"tall x 30"wide piece of 1/2" Starboard with 15 ty-wrap holders and a place to mount the junction box. From there I cut all the old wire ties and straighted out each and every harness for the third or fourth time now. (LAST I HOPE) I am so happy I took the extra time to do so as it is the best rendition yet... Now it is FN DONE I said it. Labor of love the first time. Second time, not so much.