Thanks for the reply. The gas tank is on the right side by the engine which is the original location. No water was in the hull and the watermark was visible on the stern board. It just sits naturally there. It must have been no problem for the previous owners. It must have been used as a go fast...
older model Deckboat brand with V6 OMC sits too low at stern. I've rebuilt the floor and deck and painting now. Without the fiberglass trimwork around the aft it would ship water and flood. It has the best sounding engine I've ever heard but am thinking about trading for a 4cyl to reduce weight...