V-20 builds with brackets (what would you have done different)

[Curapa]

I sold my 18' Fisherman a while back. I will be on the hunt for a V-20 CC or a classic Mako or Seacraft if I can find one...

The V-20 is looking like the most likely candidate.

I plan on closing he transom and installing a bracket. What do you not like about your bracketed V? Did you raise the decks high enough for it to self bail while at anchor? What should I be on the lookout while planning my build? Are there certain years that lend themselves better for the project?

Basically, what did you do right and what was done wrong?

Curt

[willy]

Anything that weighs much more than a 115 Johnson two stroke on a 28" bracket will put the scuppers below the water line. Just an opinion for you from experience.

[Curapa]

Originally Posted by willy

Anything that weighs much more than a 115 Johnson two stroke on a 28" bracket will put the scuppers below the water line. Just an opinion for you from experience.

I plan to raise the deck but I was curious as to whether it can be raised high enough to fight the scupper issue. I was also considering routing the scuppers to drain on opposite sides to help.

My 18 was pretty bad about letting water in especially if a couple of people were standing in a corner.

[jasoncooperpcola]

I planned to build a massive bracket on mine that gives the most flotation. Basically ad.wide and as.low as possible. Also doing thru transom slam door drains.

[macojoe]

I converted mine from a I/O and suggest that's what you look for. Now the transom is closed in, and thats half the battle. Next I think all brackets should have a 30" shaft motor, not 25" and thats what I would do if doing again, gets that motor out of the water! BS did a few 30's, and they are awesome! Most motors can get a conversion kit to make them a 30" shaft. Also as willy stated I found if you keep the bracket close to the boat its not so much stress on the transom,mine was a 32" set back.
Mine was a 1976, and had the low decks before they even had scuppers so all water went to the bilge, and had to be pumped out, that was good and bad. Good side there was no water coming in at drift, and motor weight was not a problem as it would not put them under water, but then when you got water you had to make sure you pumped it out. Back in them days I did not have a good pump, and always had water, but if it was today I would put a good auto pump in there and have a 2nd back up!!
Biggest issue I had on the bad side was that the steering was tough going one way, for some reason I never had a full turn on it?? I think a longer steering arm on the motor would have helped but I never worried to much about it. All and all I was very very happy with the convert, and would do it again!

[Curapa]

I thought about an inboard outboard conversion but was curious as to whether the transom would have to be beefed up anyways. It also seems harder to find a CC with an inboard. CC is the only way I will go, probably go with a small console with a small coffin box in front.