SC18 center console bracket

[hankbgood]

I’m looking to purchase an 18 or 20 SC. I like the 20 but would also consider the 18. I found an 18 with a 150 Yamaha Vmax with a closed transom and a Armstrong bracket. Any issues with the ride on an 18 with the bracket? Do they ride better without the bracket? Thanks

[Beaver]

I have an 18 and I love it. The 18 runs a little ass heavy so they’re really sensitive to weight. I personally wouldn’t keep a 150 on the stern. I think it’s too much weight. With a bracket I really think it’s too much weight.

My boat has a 90hp 2 stroke that is less than 300 lbs on the stern and I still moved the center console forward about 3 inches and the batteries forward about 10 inches. It now feels like a very balanced, great riding boat. It surprised me how much of a difference moving the console 3” made. They are very sensitive to where the center of gravity is.

[uncleboo]

I did everything I could to reduce weight on the back of mine so I could run the DF140 at 397 lbs. I think I nailed it. She sits in the water just like the day it was first floated with a 1975 2 stroke. As much as I would love to have a cc with a closed transom & bracket, I don't feel this is the proper platform. Coodos to those that have done it.

[steel686]

Same here. I wouldn’t have gone through the long process if I didn’t love mine. I would read Capt. Terry’s post on estimating CG shift. Never had a respect for that until I added 410 lbs and a 35 pound jackplate and 15 lbs of aluminum bandaid to my transom. Did a lot to shave weight in my rebuild. Search for bracketed 20 threads because I don’t think you find many 18s. Even the guys with 23s will offer good insight. There’s a lot of strong opinions but the real world numbers don’t lie. Depends what you are doing with it. As Beaver and others will tell you, light is right. I want to be able to waterski behind mine.... and I can’t afford a 911 or GT350 so it has to be my hot rod. It has its limits as a result but I’m not going 50 miles offshore in it. Welcome, search, and post.