Bracket on a curved transom

[curapa]

Sorry, I know this isn't Seacraft related but there is a wealth of bracket knowledge here so I figured it would be a great place for info.

I am working on a Wellcraft V-20 that came equipped with a closed transom. The transom has a nice curve to it from the factory along with a horseshoe shaped notch where the factory outdrive would have been. While I would have no problem making a small bracket that would mount with no problem I would like to make a larger bracket for extra flotation that will extend past the semi-flat center of the transom.

I have been pondering on how to build the bracket with the transom curve in mind. I have thought about attaching the bracket mold directly to the transom and using the actual transom as the mold. I have considered removing the gelcoat and glassing the bracket to the boat permanently. I would then of course add bolts around the perimeter as with a normal bracket installation.

Can anyone offer any suggestions or advice?

Thanks,

[gofastsandman]

Contact Don The Mod of the repairs section.

[strick]

Mucho work and $$. Don Herman can build you one and you will spend about $50 more then if you did it yourself

strick

[Old'sCool]

But, IMHO, the curvature should match the transom.

[Islandtrader]

Originally Posted by strick

Mucho work and $$. Don Herman can build you one and you will spend about $50 more then if you did it yourself

strick

After seeing what you have done...if I was ever building a bracket...I would take your advice...CALL DON

[Normagain]

How badly is it curved and is it concave (inward) or convex (outward)?. If minor and out, I would think it would be less of a concern and an easier fix. I'm looking at doing a boat which has the horseshoe your talking about. I got measurements from Don on the bracket already and figured out from his instructions where it will mount. I'm lucky in that the "horseshoe" is the raised portion and there is no curve in my transom in that area. Basically, the outer 6" ends of the swim step will be floating by about 3/16". I figure I will just match that area with either glassed in strips or cabosil/epoxy on the transom itself since there will not be as much stress at the bracket ends.

My point being, it depends on your situation and where the curves are. An outward curve would be better since a majority of the strength of the bracket to transom connection needs to be in the middle area where the tub is. That being said, it sounds like Don's design does strengthen the entire transom across the swim step.

[Blue_Heron]

Look at Don Herman's web site:

http://www.hermco.com/gallery/

There are lots of specialized bracket applications including at least one on a curved transom. Don is a master at the one-off mold. He can build it for you and save you the headaches you'll have figuring it out yourself.

[curapa]

Thanks for the advice guys, I have been to the Hermco website many, many times. I've seen about every bracket build thread available on the internet. I've read Strick's thread in detail, it's even bookmarked.

I have 15 gallons of resin and mucho yards of 1808 and csm in the garage waiting. I'm not afraid of the work, this is my third resto so I know how bad it sucks and the joy of finishing. I would also imagine Don would need my boat there in order to match my transom which is not currently an option

I just haven't seen any built with a curvature quite like mine. It's been a while since I have measured but I believe it's around 3" from ends to center and is less severe as it reaches the bracket area. I don't have a problem making it a permanent fixture on the boat and it seems the most accurate method with be attaching the mold directly to the transom.

[McGillicuddy]

There are any number of "wacky-wood," bending plywood sheet products that you could use for the leading edge of your bracket mold to accommodate the transom curvature.

Use a scribing tool to mark your lines on top an bottom to nail down that radius for your horizontal panels.

Heck, I think one of the brand names of these sheets is "Radius." Do a search for bendable plywood...

[flyingfrizzle]

Just a thought, and you may want to keep the curve but it may be easier or faster maybe cheaper to redo the transom flat and then build a standard bracket instead. If you have any rot this would be the time to change it. But, I think the curved transom would be a little more sexy and a good challenge too.