D&D Bracket
 

Anyone had any experiences with a D&D aluminum bracket? I'm debating between Armstrong, Stainless Marine, and a D&D. The D&D's are quite a bit cheaper.

Re: D&D Bracket
 

Just curious . . . what do the D + D brackets cost?

Re: D&D Bracket
 

$1300 for a single engine and a 6' platform, not painted

Re: D&D Bracket
 

Have one on my 20SF. Comes unfinished as you said, and I mean unfinished. He claimed "ready to paint" but holes cut were kinda rough, needed sanding here and there, etc. Minor prep before I could get it powder coated, but price was right. Was a little pissed off at first because I was promised a finished "ready to paint" product but received something that needed a few hours work. Would buy another knowing what I know now though, solid bracket (though I only paid $40 to get it powder coated as I have a friend of the family in the business, so that might add to your cost tipping the scales).

Also when I called to complain about the lack of a finished product he told me I expected "to f#$%ing much for the price" and hung up on me. The cost of dealing with the lowest bidder I guess. It IS a solid bracket structurally for the price though.

Has less flotation than the other brackets though, especially a HermCo.

http://www.noahbeach.com/images/hosting/bracket1.jpg


http://www.noahbeach.com/images/hosting/bracket2.jpg

Re: D&D Bracket
 

One more out of water I just snapped.

http://www.noahbeach.com/images/hosting/bracket3.jpg

Mines low on the transom because it was mounted for a 20" motor, currently has a 25" motor on it so rather than having to fill 6 bolt holes, 2 steering holes, and 1 wire tube hole and redrill them all, decided on the jackplate, even though it set me back another 4" and added weight further back. Though I really noticed no real change in waterline.

Re: D&D Bracket
 

I hope I don't offend you but can I ask why you would put a metal bracket on a Fiberglass boat? To me that's like using drywall screws in your redwood deck. For a few bucks more you can put a very well crafted fiberglass bracket with bucket loads of flotation from Hermco?

strick

Re: D&D Bracket
 

I also don't want to offend anyone, however I think a D&D is a great bra size.

Re: D&D Bracket
 

I definitely believe you get what you pay for generally and even more so in this case, given Don is one of us and ALL I've ever heard is praise for his products and workmanship. Further, I cannot remember one time that he commented in a fashion that was anything other than being in our membership's best interest and certainly never in his own interest.

All of our members have the right to spend their money where and how they want. I believe that more than generally, we are in this crazy passion together and really want what's best for all involved. I have never heard of D&D before, but for my money, being told "I expect to much for the money" in DISREPECTFUL GARBAGE MOUTH TERMS, says "Exit this way, I'll spend my money somewhere else, thank you."

Just my 2 cents. (We get what we will tolerate.)

Re: D&D Bracket
 

For only 700.00 more this is what you would get, it would never have to removed to be repainted the other brackets will need to be. I am having my second one being done by Don at hermco. My fist bracket is about 2 years old still looks like the day it was installed. My second one is a twin engine bracket going on my 23ft. The other nice thing if you rig it like Don does it can be rigged through the bracket making a cleaner install no extra holes in the transome, just my two cents

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j3...lebrkt0002.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j3...eh/GSC0033.jpg

Re: D&D Bracket
 

I too agree..HermCo all the way..the guy who bought my boat was amazed at the ride especially with the bracket, as well as the bracket construction!! He also liked how the boat had all that extra flotation in the ass end especially for a repower down the road if needed...quite a selling point...also something you might want to consider if you ever decide or need to sell(like in my case)!!!......dont skimp...only will cause problems down the road...do it right the first time!!! Also my opinion and not meant to offend either!
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...100_2157-1.jpg
-FRED

Re: D&D Bracket
 

Somebody once said that, "The pain of a bad decision lasts a LOT longer than the thrill of a good price."

Re: D&D Bracket
 

I have an Armstrong Bracket on my 23. If I had it to do again, I promise you I would be calling Hermco and getting the best bracket I could. I have had no issues with the armstrong, but would rather have a bracket designed for my boat and would like to get away from the Aluminum. At some point I will go to twins and I bet Don will be getting a call. I have seen his work and it is top notch.

Before you go with D&D take a look at what Hermco can provide and then make the best decision you can for your needs.

Re: D&D Bracket
 

I feel like I am schilling for Don, but I'm really not. I just really want a fellow forum member saying "I'm glad I did" vs. "I wish I had" 2 years from now.

If I may humbly suggest, give Don a call and tell him what you want to do and how you really want it set up. Then listen to what he has to say and why he holds the opinions that he does and then talk to the other vendors. Then you at least know what you're saying "NO" to.

Make the best decision that is within your means and don't look back, either way.

Re: D&D Bracket
 

I have to say I first found out about Don at Hermco from this forum, I spoke with Don about his bracket he explained that his bracket has a positive flotation and told me what engine weight it was capable of floating. When I called a couple of other companies about Aluminum brackets and asked how much weight their brackets could float, one answer was that depended on your boat the other company would not give me an answer. After talking to Don I was sold on his product, the reason I placed a second post is to express just how much of a great product Don has to offer!!! I have had many compliments at the gas station when filling up the boat I have even had an offer from a guy to buy my boat

Re: D&D Bracket
 

You don't say which hull you have, but if it's a 20, I'd go with the most flotation you can find (ie., a Hermco), if you want it to be self bailing! The 23's are a little less critical because their decks/scuppers are higher. Don said he can make a bracket with various setbacks (30", 24", 18"). If you're not a diver, you might want to consider less setback, as that will help the self bailing issue.

Also agree that Don's method of rigging down into the bracket and then thru the transom is much cleaner than just running everything across the swim platform into transom. If you want to use it for diving or even fishing, it's nice to be able to walk across the swim platform w/o having to step over all that rigging.