Nice rig.
On my RT 198, (Painted, not carpet interior) I had to put a couple of those furniture pads on the corners where the lids sit to prevent the rattling noise.
Yes you need to use the trim to increase the speed / rpm, typical on most all boats.
It pisses me off when there are sloppy wiring jobs like what you showed on your motor. I felt the same way on how Ranger had a sloppy wiring inside my console.
Keep an eye on the trailer, once that rust starts, need to get on it early to prevent additional damage.
Enjoy.