Floatation??

[reelapeelin]

Originally Posted by RidgeRunner

I am seriously thinking about adding some floatation to the transom of my center console. I know I am overpowered with the 250XS but it is too sweet to repower and I don't want to give back a hundred hp.

SO

What about a lightweight flotation pod built of fiberglass that would surround my existing bracket??

It would add approx 8" in width on each side of the current bracket, about 19" in height at the transom would put it approx flush with the top of the existing bracket, and it extends back approx 30". My quick calculation has me increasing displacement by approx 180 lbs (at rest trim). While only adding 30 lbs to the gross weight for a net gain of 150 lbs. The entire thing would add near 400 lbs of floatation if fully submerged and will be completely out of the water when on plane.

Lightweight and either styrofoam core or just leave it hollow like the bracket..

Anybody ever tried this?

I'm tryin' to picture how that's gonna work w/that REEL nice swim platform you got on that baby...other that that, the premise sounds good...and yeah, I'd put foam in it...

[spareparts]

look at the potter brackets on the seacrafts for ideas

[RidgeRunner]

I been snooping around over on the classics site.. there are some nice rebuilds going on. Some of those were built like tanks, I am looking more for an armored cav.

[reelapeelin]

Originally Posted by RidgeRunner

I been snooping around over on the classics site.. there are some nice rebuilds going on. Some of those were built like tanks, I am looking more for an armored cav.

Hey "Snoopy"...enjoyed the 1:15 spent last night designin' this thing...I think yer on to something..even to the point others could use (and would pay for) down the road...so consider this research & development...prototyping new stuff is a lotta fun...

[spareparts]

Did you look at Big Shrimpin's bracket build? You could build something like that to add on under your platform. Is your bracket open inside? is it sealed. We're stuffing noodles inside the bracket on my buddies Sea V

[RidgeRunner]

I didn't see your post Spare, it is sealed and watertight. I have never seen so much as a drop in there when changing motors (as I often do), or when inspecting it thru the drain plug on the bottom. I tried to get a picture of the lower while underway and decided it was too rough to leave the controls and crawl back there. LOL. Suffice it to say, the motor is mounted high. At 40, water is running at least 2" below the cav. plate but rising up fast from there, nearly touching the rear of the plate at the rear. Now I know why she loves trim.. River Ranch 013.jpg

River Ranch 014.jpg

[reelapeelin]

Ya know...Spare's got me thinkin'...w/your 'glass skills, why not make your own w/the same flotation characteristics and the same width, depth, etc you'd have by adding to the existing bracket...after it's all done and you know yer happy, sell the Stainless...just thinkin' out loud here...