Hey guys, I’m working on a 1948 Evinrude Sportsman.  I discovered that the carburetor throat is centered in the carburetor, but the intake in the reed plate is offset relative to the mounting studs.  So approximately 30% or so of the carb throat is blocked by the reed plate itself.  Does anyone know if this is correct?  The motor is very complete and original (other than having the top painted with a brush), but I have no way of knowing if someone swapped out the reed plate at some point.  I don’t know why a reed plate would even be made like this on any motor, unless the idea was to restrict a readily available carburetor on purpose to match the horsepower rating?  I’m quite sure that the carb is original and correct based on the fuel line and how it fits within the lower cowls.

Photos attached.  Thanks.