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 ?