Potter Outboard Bracket
 

F.Y.I. Bill Potter manufactures a fiberglass outboard bracket and transom closing system.I have installed his bracket on both of his personal 20'Seacrafts.I learned about the bracket and met Mr. Potter when I had a customer bring me a 23' Seacraft to rebuild and he asked me to install the system.It is a clever design and in my opinion an excellent product much like the boats he built in the "70s".

Re: Potter Outboard Bracket
 

DH,
I'm sure we would all like to see pictures!

Re: Potter Outboard Bracket
 

I made a page on my website for Mr. Potter's brackets and his new pilothouse.The guy is unstoppable one of those that will never stop creating,inventing,redesigning till he drops.He was here all day today building a floating dock!You can see the pics by going to the links and clicking on HermCo. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Re: Potter Outboard Bracket
 

DH
I have received your brochure and the bracket looks real nice. Was wondering how hard that would be for the average guy to put that bracket on the transom...or is that not recommended? Have you had any problems with that bracket since its made out of Fiberglass….crazing/cracking etc…

Scott

Re: Potter Outboard Bracket
 

Scott,
The bracket is easily installed by anyone who is used to doing ther own boat repairs and is good working with baisic hand tools.It comes with full instructions and mounting hardware.The transom closing system is the thing that impresses me.Bolt on the bracket and your transom is closed.Very cool!No fiberglass or paint work involved.If you go with an aluminum bracket it will begin to corrode someday and you still have to fill in the transom and it will cost $$$$$!He has been mfg. them for 8 years and has not had any problems.I have installed about 10 in the last 2 years including on his own two 20's several Makos,Seacraft 23's,an Ocean Master etc. and have had no negative results.

Re: Potter Outboard Bracket
 

DH

Thank you for the info...I would guess the biggest hassle is raising the bracket,lining it up and getting those first couple of bolts in.

In looking at the literature there are a lot of interesting features in Mr. Potters bracket….I really like the idea that the guy who designed and built these boats engineered this bracket…as if they were built for SeaCrafts. (not to say it couldn’t be used elsewhere)

I like the fact that the floatation chamber extends all the way aft… following the same plane as the hull of the boat instead of taking that slope upward. I also like the fact that the chamber is sealed. The results of the floatation/buoyancy vs other brackets is also a plus…I don’t know other buoyancy numbers from other brackets …but that’s a good selling point….420 lbs of buoyancy

I did not see it in the literature and may have overlooked it .... what does model #1530 weigh?
Typically on the 23 CC with a 25” shaft motor and at rest….. how high above the water line is the swim platform?

It looks like the bulkhead that closes the transom notch is integral to the bracket…if in the future the transom were to be rebuilt with a full covering board… could that bulkhead be removed to utilize just the bracket??? I would assume that is a chore to get one of these things off the transom once installed.

Your right about closing in the transom and the cost of it...the unfortunate thing is I would still need to do a lot of fiberglass work to get that splash well out of there [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] which would be my primary reason, besides closing the back up for safety, for installing the bracket…. the gain of cockpit space..

Sorry for the long post … but the more I look at this bracket the more I like it [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

Thanks in advance

Scott

Re: Potter Outboard Bracket
 

Scott,
You can't see it in the pics but the bracket has a lip built in to the closing bulkhead that indexes the bracket.You simply set it on top of the existing transom ,clamp it at the top then mark your holes to drill and mount it.I install them myself with no help.I would say the single bracket weighs less than 100 lbs. I don't know the exact weight but I can move/carry it myself.As far as removing a bracket after installation I would hate to have to do it because you install with 3M 5200 adhesive sealant.The fiberglass repairs involved in removing the splash well and gaining the deck space are much less costly than filling the entire transom etc and you would have to cover the top of the transom with something.The Seamark system comes with a Starboard plastic cover panel to finish the top of the transom and has an optional transom door kit that is easy to install as well.If you price out a similar aluminum bracket with full dive platforms and the transom fill and top cover you will find that the Seamark system is comparable in price and will never corrode.I have some pics in my camera of the bracket and bulkhead panel alone that I will put on the Seamark page today that will make it easier to understand how the system works.

Re: Potter Outboard Bracket
 

Scott,
Sorry I did'nt address the platform heighth.At rest the bottom of the single bracket on a 23" Seacraft open fish with a 225 merc platform is about 1" above the water.As you see in the info you can get the bracket with the transom closing system or without (full transom unit).If you decide to fill/glass/finish the transom the Potter bracket still has the advantages of buoyancy and the non corrosive properties of fiberglass. [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

[ April 12, 2002, 08:49 AM: Message edited by: HermCo ]

Re: Potter Outboard Bracket
 

DH
Your wrong!!

Quote.....

"If you price out a similar aluminum bracket with full dive platforms and the transom fill and top cover you will find that the Seamark system is comparable in price and will never corrode."

If the price in the brochure is still current (you sent it to me a couple weeks ago)....

YOUR A LOT LESS!!!!! and I mean a lot... [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] sorry didn’t mean to scare you!!
I know .. I'm going to pay for that ...the bracket's going to cost me more now because of that [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

I've received some quotes to do the work on the transom and covering boards...(mind you the boat looks nicer than a new one) .. but I'm talking 6-8,000 to do the destruction and reconstruction of the well, deck and transom to get a bracket on the boat...Like Steve said in some post things seem to be a lot more inexpensive down south...

I may need to get on the phone to discuss this with you further.... now your really stirring my interest!!!!

Thanks again will be looking for the new pictures....
Scott

Re: Potter Outboard Bracket
 

Scott,
The pics of the bracket system are at the bottom of the Seamark page (click to enlarge pics).
http://www.hermco.net/seamark.htm
I think they help show how it works,let me know if you need me to E-Mail you some of better quality or you need any further info from myself or Mr. Potter. [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

Re: Potter Outboard Bracket
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">See the bracket by going to .............
http://www.hermco.net/seamark.htm
[img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Re: Potter Outboard Bracket
 

DH

Thanks again for all the help....and talking with Mr. Potter ... well that made my day!!!!

Please thank Mr. Potter again for taking the time to talk with me [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

I'm sure in the coming days I will have some more questions....

Again many Thanks
Scott

Oh yeah the pics look great...they explain alot!!

[ April 12, 2002, 02:41 PM: Message edited by: Scott ]

Re: Potter Outboard Bracket
 

Scott,
I put Mr. Potter on the spot and gave him the phone to talk to you without any notice and he is pissed at me!He is a humble guy who hates to let his reputation precede him and does not really enjoy his celebrity.But the stuff he has comes up with is outstanding!I worked with him doing the pilothouse project and the thing has enourmous potential.He is a guy who looks at something and figures out how to "make it,do it,design it" better.My uncle once said to me "learn from the old guy's" they have been thru it.Is true!

Re: Potter Outboard Bracket
 

D.H.-
Is the 18 out of the question for the bracket? Has it been done before?

Re: Potter Outboard Bracket
 

I know the next ? from scott will be,
DO YOU PICK UP AND DELIVER WHEN DONE.

Re: Potter Outboard Bracket
 

Snookered,
The only question would be the motor transom mounting heighth.The Seamark bracket is designed to work with 25" motor mounting transom cut downs.If the boat transom has been cut down to accept a 20" shaft motor (most older small boats)you have to raise, "add" 5" to make it a 25" transom to accept the bracket and new 25" shaft motor.No big problem.I have installed on on a 20' Powerplay with good results. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

Re: Potter Outboard Bracket
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I will not pickup or deliver a boat due to the lack of knowledge of the reliability of the trailering equiptment,maintenance history and inherent liability.(Been thru that).I will suggest a well known and insured boat transport company upon request.I would like to make it clear that I am here offering my opinions to this post strictly as a person who has some experience with boat building and repair and by no means regard you guys as potential customers.In fact I am trying to inform you guys about your options regarding brackets etc.I have seen many references to aluminum brackets on this post and I find the lack of knowledge about Mr. Potters bracket system something worth telling everyone about who will listen,they work.

[ April 12, 2002, 07:24 PM: Message edited by: HermCo ]

Re: Potter Outboard Bracket
 

Scott,
I got your e mail and Mr. Potter will be here today to answer all your questions and I will post them here.I am sending some pics to your e mail that show the interior of some of the conversions I have done and one that is in progress. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Re: Potter Outboard Bracket
 

Scott,
Ok here I go with answers to your questions,

(Q) - Do you have any pictures of the transom from inside the boat (full transom shots) I know you have a few on the site but they are a little hard to see....and if the offer still stands yes I would love it if you could send those pics to my email !!!!
(A) - I have sent them to you.
(Q) - Are there any local boats..I've got a contact in Jupiter that would take a look for me (I use to mate on this guys boat)
(A) - I have Bill Potters boat here behind my shop with a single bracket installed 30 minute drive from Jupiter.
(Q) - The covering board ...could someone stand on it ?
(A) - Yes
(Q) - The handles on the covering board can they come off?
(A) - Yes,the coverboard is made from 1" Starboard plastic and can be modified or custom made to your specs.
(Q) - Do you have any details on the construction of the bracket and what kind of warranty comes with it?
(A) - The bracket is hand laid fiberglass using biaxial fabric with a high density core in the transom.The bracket has a 5 year warranty.
(Q) - I assume it can be painted (two part aliphatic epoxy Awlgrip, Sterling, Imron etc...)
(A) - The bracket is a polyester gelcoat/fiberglass product like the boat and can be primed and painted.
(Q) - Does anyone have this bracket that you know of up here....NJ??? I know thats pushing it....
(A) - Mr. Potter says he sent one to your area some time ago but does not know the location of it today.
(Q) - How much is this thing going to cost......soup to nuts (no transom door yet and I dont think I want the ladder.....could the Armstrong ladder be put on? or what are the specs for the ladder that you have material load rating as we scuba dive.....
(A) - Single Bracket with conversion unit #1530 $3395.00,Internal rig kit for single engine $45.00.You can use any dive ladder but the one we sell seems to work the best with the bracket.I don't know the load rating but it is well built and folds up under the dive platform when not in use.
(Q) - Oh yeah shipping cost to NJ anything else???
(A) - Shipping would be about $150.00 or so depending on the carrier.
[img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

Re: Potter Outboard Bracket
 

HD
Did I see a kicker on one of the 23's there,
know what size it was.....thanks....steve

Re: Potter Outboard Bracket
 

DH

Thanks again for your response...Those pictures.. they were great esp. of removal and finished work of the 23....really shows you what you get with this system....I LIKE IT A LOT.... [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Did you save the in deck live well in that 23???

Sure does look like you did!!!

Again Great work !!!
I'll be in touch
Scott

Re: Potter Outboard Bracket
 

Steve,
The kicker on the 23' is a 15hp 4 stroke merc.I had an aluminum mount made to fit it to the dive platform of the bracket.Worked out quite well.

Re: Potter Outboard Bracket
 

Scott,
Yes the livewell is still usable after the mods.The owner uses the boat primarily for diving so the system really opened up the cockpit giving him a lot more area to load tanks and a dive door.By the way he got the ladder installed and it seems to work well for him.

Re: Potter Outboard Bracket
 

Snookerd,
Adding the 5" is not a big deal.I have to do it on the Makos because they are cut for 20" motors.You add a piece of 2x6 cut to 5" and glass.In the end it is not a structural or load bearing area.And you don't have to finish out the outside because the bulkhead panel covers it.

Re: Potter Outboard Bracket
 

DH-
Thanks for the transom height requirement info. I think I would have to go up 5". Tell Mr. Potter Thank you from me for his talented work.

Re: Potter Outboard Bracket
 

When I spoke with Bill Potter he warned me of this...... Sounds like an inspection plate leaking

At least I hope so for this guy....

DH ...I would guess you've never had this problem with Potter's bracket?? and if it is and O-ring to a deck plate .. well thats his own fault

http://www.thehulltruth.com/ubb/Foru...ML/000631.html