Mounting of B-Bracket

[ReelToy]

I have a older bracket that I installed years ago on a old Albermale. It had B-Bracket decals on it before I had it powder coated I think it is a Armstrong. I want to use this on my 1986 23' CC SeaCraft with a Yamaha 250 OX-66 25"shaft. What I need to know is how to measure to mount the bracket. On my old boat I had it mounted 25" from keel this transom was straight. The transom on the SeaCraft is tilted out to top of transom. Do I raise the bracket to compensate for this? I know brackets have been dicussed alot and it's more than likely in the forum somewhere but I can't find it. Does anyone know a formula to figure this out.The boat is in the shop to rework and raise the transom.

[Michael Vezzosi]

Reeltoy, though I have no solutions for you, I am thinking of doing the same to my 1979 20 Master Angler. Just curious of the shop that you chose. I've got a guy doing some work here in Savannah, but I will be traveling up to Goose Creek for work on a 15 Whaler in the next two weeks. Should be finished by tax time, and would like to do the SeaCraft next winter. Thanks. Vezo, Part II.

[ReelToy]

My son is a outboard tech and he hooked me up with him. Kenny does good work. I sent a private message with his number.

[Bushwacker]

Check Hermco's site - it shows how to measure transom angle. If your bracket doesn't match the SeaCraft transom angle, I'd look for another bracket that does! Also check the post I made on brackets a couple weeks ago. Some of the weight and flotation issues are probably are not as critical on the 23 as the 20, but I still think you can't have too much flotation!

[Old'sCool]

Ditto on Hermco. I would like to see this if you'll let me know.

[Fr. Frank]

If the bracket was made to fit a truly vertical transom without any change in transom angle from transom side to motor side, you may need transom wedges when you mount your motor, and you will certainly need to adjust mounting height. Transom Wedges are only about $50 or so and are made by T&H. I've even got an old set somewhere you can have cheap, cause I used to have an early Carolina skiff that had a 6 degree transom, and I wanted to be able to tuck the motor in more to plane quickly.

Stock transom angle on the OB Seafari is 14 degrees, and I heard somewhere that the Scepter/Tsunami was 15 degrees.

Remember that if you put on a straight/straight 90 bracket, the angle will remain the same from transom to engine mount with the bracket, but the bracket will be lower at the rear than at the front, necessitating mounting the motor higher on the bracket and/or bracket higher on the transom to compensate. The motor mount surface will still have the same angle as the transom. A straight/straight bracket will also then have a 14-15 degree rearward slope on the top surface of the bracket or swim platform if so equipped.

[CaptLloyd]

Like Bushwacker said, if the bracket does not match the transom angle, use a different bracket. You did not mention if the bracket had a platform, but if it does, it will angle downwards and look odd. (and, of course, the difficulties of determining the correct hieght)

Also, I would highly advise using a bracket with a large floatation chamber and a V shape bottom.

Believe me, I've been thru it, if you only want to do this job once, do it right the first time.

Lloyd

[Fr. Frank]

Just for the record, Lloyd is right, while you can use an odd shape bracket, a high flotation v-bottom bracket to match your hull (like a Hermco) is worth the cost and frustration savings.

[ReelToy]

I appreciate all the input and you did confirm my concerns. I had already thought about using wedges. My son put wedges on a Venture he was working on last summer to help it's ride. My bracket does have a platform and floatation box. I will have to wait to get boat back from shop to see if I can make it work. Really would like it to since I already own it and money is tight. I am checking out Hermco for more info. Thanks