Question for Bracket Owners

[brianct12]

Hi,
Was wondering if someone might be able to help out with a concern I have. *I am restoring an '88 outboard model V20. *This probably seems odd ... but I am toying with the idea of closing the transom notch and adding a bracket. *I really LOVE the full transom deal. *Not even sure if this is possible or realistic yet. * My question is this: *can someone tell me how far up from the keel bottom the top mounting screws are on these brackets ? * My transom notch is 25" above the keel. *I would not feel comfortable with adding a bracket ... if any of the mounting bolts would "fall into" the filled-up portion of the notch. *I just dont have faith in my ability to fill up the notch that securely. *Water intrusion, yes - *bracket support - *no ! * Does this make sense ? * Thanx for any help. * *Brian

Oh - *one other question. *My boat has 60 gal tank in the middle of the deck ... *not forward in the seat area like I think most Sea Drive or I/O model V20's are designed. *Does anyone see this as giving me a problem with a "stern heavy" boat if I added a bracket ?

[throwback]

Brian

Over the weekend had a discussion with a fierglass guy in Va about building up a v20 transom. He did one a few years back and said it is holding up well. Oraginally according to him boat had twin 70 hp engines but repowered recently with single 150

[macojoe]

You put the bracket so that the point were the motor rests on the bracket is 25" from the bottom keel.

Now there is something out there about rasing the bracket a few inches for evry foot back you go??

I just put mine at 25 inches for the motor and it works fine!!

As for fixing the cut out, there will be no stress on it if the bracket is bolted thur the transom below it. So patch away!!

Just make sure that the transom it self is strong!! And you may want to add a bracket like I did to the inside of the transom, it will make sure that the brack and transom stays toghter as one!!

Like this:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v131/macojoe/8b5ee0ae.jpg

you will love a full transom!! And as far as gas in the middle of the boat don't wory about it it will be fine!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v131/macojoe/aer.jpg

[brianct12]

MJ,
Thanx for the advice. I called Armstrong today .... and they told me that for their brackets ... the top mounting bolts typically fall 22" up from the bottom keel. So, that would be 3" down from my transom notch. Sounds doable to me. I'm gonna drill a few exploratory holes in the transom ... see what I find. I dont have easy access to the inside of the transom wall .... like the I/O models do ... so will have to get a hole pattern from Armstrong first ... to make sure I can access all the mounting bolts.

Whew - roughly $1950 for an Armstrong bracket with 6' platform ! Anybody have any comments on the brackets at DADMARINE.COM .. which are less expensive ?

[macojoe]

Mine is a stainless marine and I think its like $1600 for the 29" set back with the swim platform.

Most brackets have a 3x3 inch square piece if plate for washers on the inside of the transom, but i wanted to use the hole transom for suport and came up with that inside bracket. I am sure its way way way over kill but I rather be over then under!!

[CT_V-20]

I'm pretty sure I'm paying $1,100 for my Armstrong w/no platforms, 30" setback and painted to match the hull. Brace yourself for a 3-5 week wait from time of order to delivery.

[brianct12]

MJ,
How is the 29" setback on your bracket with the Yamaha ouboard ? I just might be mounting a 175 Yamaha also .. and was wondering if 26, 27, or 28" would work ? How much clearance do you have when the motor is fully up? Armstrong recommends 30".
thanx, Brian

[macojoe]

29 is perfect!! I would go no less!!

[Vic]

Brian, The surface of my bracket is 21" from the keel but the motor mount is up 5" from there so 26" total to the top of the mount. Works great.

[brianct12]

Hey Vic,
Thanks for the info - what brand bracket have ya got ? Any bracket "negatives" you've experienced with regard to performance, such as - bow high when attempting to plane, or when cruising, or when motoring along barely above plane speed, or anything else I cant think of at the moment.

How fast does that 175 push your V20 ? I am about to pull the trigger on a 150 for my V20 restoration ... but am unsure of its performance. My former boat does 40 mph top speed, 1 person - and I use that as a Benchmark. I think it is a reasonable topend ... and any boat that can reach 40 ought to be powered well enough for pulling waterskiers also.

[reelapeelin]

Brian, a 150 is pleanty for a V20...mine's toppin' out just over 40(gps), and cruises at 30...pullin' skiers, tubes and whatever...no problems... ;) ;D

[brianct12]

Reel,

Thanx - I was hoping for some comfirmation like that of the 150

[Vic]

Brian, I dont know how fast. I had the whole family one night to 45 on gps running in from a storm in a light chop but that wasn't wide open. Plenty for me though. As for the bracket. It handles very well, and the kids hang out on it when we are anchored up in the islands. I use a 30 gallon home made live well that I rope to the back that sits on it and drains outside the boat. Some times when your offshore and you gotta go. It helps...

[victore]

BRIAN, I HAVE A 1982 CONVERTED FROM I/O WITH A 1987 150 MERCURY. IT GOES 42 MPH ON THE GPS WITH 2 PEOPLE AND FULL FUEL AT WOT. 28" SETBACK ON GILL BRACKET.