[Briguy]

These are the top 10 things I learned about brackets.

1) measure, measure and then measure again. Mine came out at the right hight but I could see how someone could make a MAJOR mistake, put the bracket either too high or low and regret it forever.

2) Don't believe everything you read. My cruise and top speed were identical. 10% performance increase is BS.

3) Flotation, more=better. My bracket offset the weight of the motors, but no more. My waterline is still the same if not 1/2 inch worse. I estimate the bracket at 175lbs and my transom enclosure at 150lbs. Motors at 430lbs.

4) You will need tabs. Although I havn't hooked mine up yet, I anticipate a little tab would help the holeshot. One 200lb friend in the stern made it a little tough getting it up.

5) Change your attitude----My boat now runs 1-2 degrees bowhigh(er). Again, nothing that a little tab wouldn't cure.

6) Forget self bailing. I will be filling in my scuppers and running flexible draintubes to the bilge. I may even add a 3rd batt wired to a 3rd separate bilgepump as an emergency backup.

7) Sit your ass down---- I took the boat off Tampa Bay for its initial shakedown last Saturday. After an hour or 2, I decided to "play" in some 6' breakers to see what she could do. I was amazed at the difference. The extra weight and length really added to the stability and ride quality. The stern stayed firmly planted while the flaired bow really plowed the froth away. I'll tell you, I probably pushed it a little two hard with waves curling at the bow but at least I know "Instigator" can handle the slop nicely.

8) I traded my 23 for a 25' 8" boat. The extra room in the stern is incredable. End of story.

9 & 10. I'll get back to you after the weekend.