Quote:
Originally Posted by Ironmanangler
I am concerned mostly that I would shift the weight too forward and the front of the boat would steer itself because it would dig.
I like the bracket not only for performance but I have two small children and would make it easier for snorkeling and sandbar days.
Thank you for taking the time to write all the above well explained information.
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If you had a later model 23 Sceptre made by SeaCraft Industries, I'd say you had a valid concern, as those boats appeared to be a bit bow heavy. Plywood was used for the core in the decks and bunks instead of the balsa core used on the Potter models. Restorations of some 23 Sceptre's on this site have also revealed pig iron pig iron ballast under the deck in the stern. However that's definitely not a problem on a 20, especially a CC model. My Seafari, with the cabin, bunks and head up forward, has more weight forward than the CC models, but I've never had a problem with bow steering or too much weight forward, even when I had a light 300 lb motor on the transom! In fact, on the half dozen trips I made to the Abacos, I've normally wanted even
more weight forward, despite the fact that I already had all sorts of gear crammed in the cabin! On those trips I typically put a 70 qt cooler in the stepdown forward of the fuel tank to get more weight up front!
I do a lot of diving too and the swim platform on the bracket is great for that. The closer the platform is to the waterline, the easier it will be to use. Don Herman has the mounting height on his bracket dialed in very well . . . the swim platform about 2" above waterline, but that drops to zero when a couple of guys stand on platform.