"Gil" bracket question

[afernand]

I have a Gil Marine, aluminum cast, single bracket that I hope to put on a 20' older SC. The Gil bracket itself is an older model, having 6 bolts (in a different pattern than the new models) and one water drain (2" diameter) on the bottom; there is no "access" at the top of the bracket... other than the 2" drain, it is a "sealed bracket." Does anyone know of this bracket? Gil marine was bought by another group, and I have no contact to ask these two questions. 1) Will this older bracket hold (like the new brackets are supposed to hold) a 250 hp engine, and 2) concerning the empty space...the flotation space...if it fills up with water from a leak, could it drag the boat down? So I'm wondering, what if I spray foam inside that empty space and not worry about air being displaced by water? Thanks for your comments! aaf

[Ryan]

AAF Im not sure that the gil bracket is the way you want to go about that. I have a 73 20 and am considering going with an enclosed transom with a bracket. That being said every 20 that i have seen has had a full flotation bracket and still sits low in the water. The gil bracket was basically the first design of bracket and you dont see that style of bracket much anymore, especially on new boats. Are you putting a 250 on the back of that thing? is your transome enclosed? because I dont know if the combination of that much H.P. hanging off the back of your boat might be too much Sorry to ramble but I really would like to get a good thread going on this one because I really want to go with the closed trasnsom/bracket idea but want to hear as much as i can from all the csc guys

[warthog5]

First I wouldn't use that bracket. It doesn't have enough flotation to compensate for the weight of the motor.

Do NOT fill any bracket with foam. That would be putting a
band aid on a problem and by pouring 2 part foam in the bracket you will have a bigger mess.

In this pix is an example of changing motors to heavier motors. Notice the bottom paint and then the scum line. The thruhull is now under water at rest.
The cure for this is a larger tub/body to offset the extra weight.

[afernand]

Thanks for info warthog5. I wonder though, if a flotation bracket "fills up with water," will it sink the boat? - aaf

[afernand]

Ianbeagle: after talking to several people, I have come to the conclusion that my 20' SC (built in 1966), is a hybrid (it has Bertram features). It always had a closed transom, with twin 165 hp in-line I/O engines. I removed the engines, sealed the two openings, and am now trying to put an outboard engine on a bracket...I think a 250 hp outboard will be sufficient to take the place of the original engines. Any comments are appreciated! - aaf

[John R]

AAF - can we get some pics of your boat? Of the hull & running surfaces et al?

[afernand]

I have picts and will figure out how to post them...they are jpegs already. Thanks for help, aaf