[Scott]

Welcome Capt Scott

I cant say for sure but I have seen the under deck configuration of an I/O 23 …As I recall I cant say that there is anything that would make that boat “float better” in the stern over a traditional outboard. The stringers are modified but that about it. Load distribution may be different as in placement of fuel tanks … but that goes out the window if you modify that during a restore. Once your forward of the engine box the bilge looks pretty much like the outboard (at least the one I’ve seen did). The weight of the engine (I/O) is more towards the fulcrum of the boat and I would think wouldn’t have as profound an effect on the waterline…whereas the outboard , especially on a bracket, is further from it. I don’t think your going to see a big difference between the two versions …. But that just an opinion. ……

Ask "Finster" about his 300 hp Black Max hanging off the transom a foot on a non-floatation Gil bracket. We thought he had a 25" transom based on his water line ... turned out to be a 30" with a waterline about five inches higher than on a normal 23 center console

Your motor (depending on shaft and size) should be in the 450-470 lb range.

Depending on how much buoyancy that bracket really has, that bracket may not be the best for a four stroke either. They are anywhere from 550lb range up to the Verado monsters over 600 lbs. Those older brackets didn’t have the buoyancy to support these weights (they can support it its just that your really squatting in the stern). Even manufactures like Armstrong ( on Regulators) has modified the brackets to increase the buoyancy to accommodate the higher weights. The bracket on the 26 Regulator now looks like the SeaMark twin bracket which has in the area of 900 lbs of buoyancy.

Again Just my opinion !!