Due to to small area between the fuel tanks and a bulkhead under the engine, it was the only way to place it(previous owner). Raising it will allow me the turn the switch on the the fore and aft axis above the strum box.

Although I have a garboard drain, about a quarter inch of water remains and a nasty layer of mung from 10 years of not be able to clean it. Now I have the pump out, I'm cleaning it, and I'll be sure to make it easier to remove in the future.