[Seacrets]

Stink, what I was trying to say, when you move 350-400 lbs. 16-20" further back your boat would sit lower in the water. Don't forget the weight of the bracket itself. Did the bracket boat have scuppers? You mentioned your scuppers were almost in the water. With a bracket w/o flotation to compensate for the weight located further to the rear I would think, they'll be underwater. When you were adding your weight to your motor, you and your motor were on the transom, not behind the transom. These are just my thoughts. About a year ago, I looked at an 18 bracket w/o a motor installed. I called Wellcraft and they advised against it. Their first question was, "How far is the setback"? I like the 18's as much as the 20's and I like the bracket idea for both models. If anybody on this forum can make it work it would be you. Good luck.