Mounting an outboard

[BallastBoy]

First, let me apologize to the group; this is my 3rd post in about two weeks, but I value your opinions. Ok, enough sucking up, here''s the question:

My 9hp Honda OB is mounted to the transom of my Seidelmann 25 on two ''slices'' of wood (imagine two slices of cake with the thick ends together and the thin ends pointing towards the water), then bolted through the transom to a backing plate. It''s very unstable and I want to mount the bracket directly to the transom. The Honda has two adjustable sections; one at the base where it bolts to the mounting bracket and one on the upper section, giving it a wide range of adjustment.

Is there a correct way to mount the motor so it performs at its best and still be accessible perhaps from a step mounted beside it? As always, your advice is appreciated.

Curt