Im not sure if I'm going to purchase one yet. I wanted to know if anyone else has already installed something like this on their boat. I could go with a topside mount if necessary.

I looking to put on something like this.
https://lonestarwinches.com/product/gx3/

Has anyone installed a spool type windless on their 275 Explorer?  I am considering to install one for better convenience and hands-free usage.

No updates to report but I think I am going with fence posts to raise the center stringers. Unfortunately, it will leave the outboard stringers a little lower so I am scratching my head on what the do there.

Nice Rides! Lets see some photos!! Regarding the flatback, I would be curious if you have some moisture saturation of the foam in the stringers. I found that my 70' sat pretty good with the trough only holding water with a 455lb motor and 30-35 gallons of fuel in the original console. See my photos in my flatback thread. As it turned out, the foam was pretty dry from the stringers.

I am in the middle of the rebuild and will be raising the deck a few inches but most of the time, these older flatbacks are saturated with moisture and that alone is the problem. However, the motor bracket setup drives the deck height.

I think like Rickk said, a 90-140hp motor would suit you well. Its nice to have a 4stroke so if budget allows, a 115 or 140hp Suzuki would suit the hull well. A 90 2 stroke would work well as well.