Rogue wave on the sea of life

[northernmainev20]

I really appreciate all the advice and information that everyone has provided (except that whole stinky thing) {still traumatized} :-/

I am in the market for a bracket, leaning towards one with flotation. Still up in the air whether to go full width on the transom or just enough for the motor. I need a platform w/ladder for diving as well as ability to mount a bracket for 9.9 hp aux motor for freshwater salmon trolling (1-2 mph)

I have priced out the E-Tec 150 and would like to go that route. I have also found some great non e-tec motors and received some good offers from members of this site. At the moment, I'm still leaning towards the new E-tec

Also, I have posted all the pics of my V20 in the cuddy gallery.

[northernmainev20]

Thanks for the link to the modifications thread ByGraceAlone. Great pics of the SeaDrive removal.

[Bygracealone]

Very welcome buddy. It's not that difficult to do. If you have any questions, just ask...

[THEFERMANATOR]

So what is your budget? Maybe some of the members here can help steer you in the right direction.

[northernmainev20]

Ferminator, my accountant (pronounced "wife") says my budget is modest. I'll be doing most of the work myself. Still leaning towards financing the brand new 150 E-Tec. I think this would be the best choice in the long run. (i.e. warranty, mpg, etc.) Would like to find a used bracket, w/flotation sounds like the way to go. I probably won't go with one with a big platform b/c I want the ladder and the kicker motor. A bracket with capabilities for both would probably get too pricey. I like the looks of the one stinky was on, but without the skids from the thong. ;D

There are so many great suggestions and mods on this site, I need to take it all in. I'm going to take the seadrive off and get the transom ready while I decide which way to go.

if the budget is tight, and ur lookin for a used bracket you gotta be patient. a good deal will pop up every now and then. but not every deal is a good one. so dont just jump on one cause ur tired of waiting.

example: i had a stainless marine 29" bracket with platforms. came off a katrina boat so it had a few scratches. i paid 50$ and removed it my self. great deal. i watched ebay for a while and were a few similiar to mine on there in the $800-$1000 range. posted mine no reserve and got $650+$50 to haulit to a ups hub. the guy who bought it sanded it and powder coated it and then two weeks later he sold it on ebay for $1113.


so, if you go with platforms, fair price would be about $800. if you hold out, you may get one for $500-$600. but the $800 one might sell and be replaced by a $1000 before the $500 dollar one shows up. just be sure to have the cash in hand in case one pops up.

unless ur like me, then good deals will only show up when you got no $$$$$$$$

also, keep in mind, you can put foan in just about any bracket perty cheap.

[Pipe_Dream]

Good pics in your gallery -- boat (and trailer) looks great! Now I just need some of the Maine scenery, and of course your dog. ;)

[macojoe]

I got my bracket from a boat yuard, it was a take off and I payed $400

Lots of brackets around!! Just keep watching, Ebay, Crigslist, locaol marniners.

I think a brand new no platform StainlessMarine is like $1000 or just under.
As far as a kicker they make the brackets with a bracket built in if you ask, but not sure of the cost??

I saw a add on bracket yesterday on one and going to be asking a welder what he would charge to make one for me.

You sound like you have a idea!! Just go slow, think it out, and do it once, and be done!! ;)

[northernmainev20]

Heres some scenery and the dog pipe dream...

Mackerel Cove, Bailey's Island


Reid State Park, Georgetown, Maine


EVERYWHERE!!!


My four legged child (now 2 1/2)


Ice Diving, 2.5 feet of ice.




Thanks everyone for the assistance.