[FishStretcher]

For what it is worth- if you pay close attention to where you put weight, and limit the total weight, you can do ok without a bracket.

My waterline at the transom is 4" from the chine on port, 5" above the chine on starboard. The difference is a 60 lb kicker motor on the transom. About as good as Bushwacker when I am empty and his bracketed boat is full. Not as good, but not awful. I hope I plane out a little better, but I am not sure.

I have a light motor- 366 lb four stroke Yamaha 100. The 20 gallon fuel tank is in the console, as are the batteries. I have aluminum anchors. I have no livewell. The 150 qt cooler is forward of the console and doubles as a seat.

The modest power still goes 100+ miles on 20 gallons, and a 5 gallon spare tank is good for 25 more.

Just don't have 2 guys in an aft corner in the following sea. That is the situation where a bracket could be a lifesaver.