[Bushwacker]

A bracket shifts the boat's CG aft, and an 18 will obviously be more sensitive to this than a 20 or 23. You'll need to be minimize engine weight and do whatever you can to shift weight forward like moving console, batteries, etc. Might work ok with a 300-350 lb motor. A stern-heavy boat won't self bail, won't plane well at low speed, and won't ride as well as one that is properly balanced. You'll need a stern lifting 4B prop and maybe a Doelfin to get acceptable low speed planing performance. A bracket with a big flotation tank like a Hermco will help with static trim, but once you're on plane and the tank is out of the water, the basic physics are still working against you. Don told me he can make his bracket with setbacks of 18, 24 and 30", so a Hermco bracket with an 18" setback would probably be best, but that's a little skinny if you want to use it for scuba.

CSC member Keys Cruze (Urban Patterson) has an 18 with a bracket and a 150 E-TEC on it. He said it's a 50+ mph rig and his kid loves it, but I haven't ridden in it or heard anything about it's rough water ride characteristics. He doesn't post much but you might try sending him a PM. I can send you his e-mail address if you want to send me a PM. Denny