Engine Brackets, Pros and Cons

jerryjc · #1 10-02-2005, 09:34 PM

I have noticed that many boats have had transom brackets added and I was wondering why. It seems especially on the 20'cc that it would add a lot of weight to the boats transom. These boats already seem to have scupper problems without the added weight. Thanks.
Jerry

Ikan Besar · #2 10-02-2005, 10:41 PM

Many brackets have a large floatation chamber underneath that negates the weight set-back.

In the case of the 23', you gain a tremendous amount of cockpit space by closing in the transom and placing the engine on a bracket: the splashwell that was standard in the 23' was very large (understatement).

SeaMaster · #3 10-02-2005, 10:43 PM

Our bracket form Hermco.net has a floation chamber. Even with the twin engines back there, the bow only sits a little higher than before. We also took out the factor scuppers and put in ball scuppers. It is nice becuase you gain alot of room in the boat, and the boat drafts less water. You can see the complete rebuild of our boat in my signatue, just below. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] Get one, and you will love it! [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

Scott · #4 10-02-2005, 10:44 PM

The right type of bracket will actually add bouyancy. Case in point the Seamark bracket will add 400+ lbs of bouyancy in its single engine version, offsetting the engine's weight.
That said I cannot speak to how the bracket affects the static water line on a 20.

jorgeinmiami · #5 10-03-2005, 09:37 AM

I also would like to hear from the ones that installed the bracket on the 20 cc's sinceI am consideing doing it to mine

NAHIM · #6 10-03-2005, 06:55 PM

Jorge,

I have a 73 20ft with a 200hp Merc mounted on a Bracket. With two adults standing in the transom two inches of water comes in. I figure that the bracket makes no diffrence in getting wet feet. But in chop with trim tabs of course I can keep up with the big boys when going offshore. If you want to see the boat I have it a couple of miles from UM.

Tight Lines,

RN

warthog5 · #7 10-03-2005, 07:50 PM

R.NAHIM What does the bracket you have look like? Some bracket's have much less flotation than other's.

They can range to the simple/least flotation

To much more with twice the flotation.

NAHIM · #8 10-04-2005, 05:02 PM

The Bracket is identical to the one mounted on the boat above except it's for a single engine.

"Tight Lines"

blockislandguy · #9 10-05-2005, 10:49 PM

What a fantastic rebuild. Thanks for sharing it with us and showing how it is done by a professional.

TUGBOAT · #10 10-06-2005, 01:55 PM

This was a tough & long decision for Me to make.But most said that a Brackett on a 20' would change the ride & how it sits in the wate(not good offshore)r. Most that said it was the only way to go, had 23's.So I oupt'd not to.????? [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]