Posted earlier...what happened?

[McGillicuddy]

I don't know squat about brackets or jack plates either. I wondered how much lift you could get from a jack plate. So I checked out Bob's. Some of the units from Bobs Machine Shop give as much as 6 or 7" of lift. Can a jack plate be attached to a bracket, Don? Or would the set back be too much?

[Briguy]

I think you're pissing in the wind. A round peg won't fit a square hole. Admit your (their) mistake. Sell/trade the 175 for one with a 25" shaft. If you cannot afford a 25" shaft 175 consider a leftover or go down to a 150/140.

If you mount the 20" I don't believe you will ever be happy or ever be able to sell the boat that way. IMHO.

[CaptLloyd]

Beach,

I feel your pain as I went thru something similiar when I mounted my bracket and motor 6 years ago. There are always "bugs" to be worked out when customizing any boat from it's original design. But don't worry, there are solutions and there have already been some great suggestions.

I undersatnd what your problem and concerns are, but pics would greatly help in determining what the best course of action would be in your case.

I believe your problem lies in the shape of the D&D bracket, which doesn't add much planing surface to help keep the stern from squatting, and doesn't protect the motor from the water flow comimg off the bottom of the transom during transtion to plane. For a transom mounted motor, only the foot of the motor is exposed to the water flowing off the bottom of the boat, but for a motor mounted on a braket like a D&D (or a B Bracket like mine) the motor can be exposed to the water flow most of the way up the shaft. The shape of the water flow changes depending on the trim and speed of the boat, with the motor seeing the worst case flow shape coming up and off planing speeds. I hope this makes sense to you, but this is what I experienced.

I believe you will still experience the same problem, albeit not as bad, with a 25" motor. The key is the shape of the bottom of the floatation chamber. A bracket like a Hermco is the best IMHO. I changed the shape of mine, and I'm quite happy with the results. It worked for me, but I don't neccessarily advise my procedure, replacing the bracket would be best if you have the means.

Adding trim tab will help, and I believe should be added anyway, minimum 9"X12". Also check the motor height, 1" higher for every 12" setback is a good starting point.

Please try to get some pics up and good luck.

Lloyd