Splashed my bracket!

[Briguy]

These are the top 10 things I learned about brackets.

1) measure, measure and then measure again. Mine came out at the right hight but I could see how someone could make a MAJOR mistake, put the bracket either too high or low and regret it forever.

2) Don't believe everything you read. My cruise and top speed were identical. 10% performance increase is BS.

3) Flotation, more=better. My bracket offset the weight of the motors, but no more. My waterline is still the same if not 1/2 inch worse. I estimate the bracket at 175lbs and my transom enclosure at 150lbs. Motors at 430lbs.

4) You will need tabs. Although I havn't hooked mine up yet, I anticipate a little tab would help the holeshot. One 200lb friend in the stern made it a little tough getting it up.

5) Change your attitude----My boat now runs 1-2 degrees bowhigh(er). Again, nothing that a little tab wouldn't cure.

6) Forget self bailing. I will be filling in my scuppers and running flexible draintubes to the bilge. I may even add a 3rd batt wired to a 3rd separate bilgepump as an emergency backup.

7) Sit your ass down---- I took the boat off Tampa Bay for its initial shakedown last Saturday. After an hour or 2, I decided to "play" in some 6' breakers to see what she could do. I was amazed at the difference. The extra weight and length really added to the stability and ride quality. The stern stayed firmly planted while the flaired bow really plowed the froth away. I'll tell you, I probably pushed it a little two hard with waves curling at the bow but at least I know "Instigator" can handle the slop nicely.

8) I traded my 23 for a 25' 8" boat. The extra room in the stern is incredable. End of story.

9 & 10. I'll get back to you after the weekend.

[Finster]

Briguy, which bracket did you go with? Single or twins?

[JohnB]

I apoligize in advance if you posted the following info other places but:
1. Which bracket did you use?
2. What motor(s) and weight?
3. At rest in seas, does the boat roll any more/less?
I am down to deciding between 2 brackets, I'm trying to collect as much info as possible.
Can you post some pictures showing how you closed the transom in?
Thanks

[TUGBOAT]

Briguy,
I talked myself w/help not to put a brackett on My 20' MA.I also wanted the Room.Most everyone said 23' up was good.
Any way how bout' The ball scuppers instead of taking them out? I installed them on Mine,Hope they work. You can check them out when You come down for that Wiring Job !(REMEMBER,Beer Run)HaHa..
I always had a problem w/scuppers that pumped more waer in than out,so we'll SEA !
Scream'n Reels' [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

[Briguy]

John

I used a seamount-mattson bracket. See

www.seamount-mattson.com/twinplat.htm

I probably could have had it fabricated to add more flotation but didn't know. Their work was highly skilled and done on time and a grand less than armstrong.

My motors weigh 416 each or 836 w/o props. I use aluminum.

In a sea, It doesnt roll any more or less, a stern or bow sea it is better because the boat is effectivly longer.

Even if you have a single, buy a dual bracket.

I will email you more pix this weekend.
Brian

[Briguy]

Brad,

Ball scuppers would collect barnicles.

[JohnS]

Congrads on that bracket. After you get the tabs, trust me, it is night and day. After I installed the tabs on mine, I kept hitting myself on the head for not doing it sooner. Oh, by the way, did ya see the pics that Brad has posted of his 20 MA? Notice the use of our names???? He has already got this whole thing planned out and didn't even tell us.....

Oh, one more thing about your bracket. When all of your friends are having a hard time getting out of the water after swimming, laugh as you get out with ease....Do any diving, it gets even better!!!

John

[Finster]

I have ball scuppers on my Aquasport and don't think too much of them. They do get very goobered up and on my boat they ride on the water line and let more water in that the flapper style. If they constantly stay submerged they work a little better.

[TUGBOAT]

Sounds like I may have to Block Mine off?
I had the ss ones never drained & always let more water in than out.Was told to use ball scuppers,put the rubber covers over the brass tubes in the well.I don't keep Her in the water so No Barnicles,Oh by the way How many Barnicles does it take to make a Good GUMBO?
Scream'n Reels' [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

[ocuyler]

Briguy,

One 200lb friend in the stern made it a little tough getting it up.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">If I had a 200 "friend" in my stern, I'd find it tough getting it up too.

Seriously, thanks for the advice.

Otto