Installing a bracket

JohnB · #1 06-04-2007, 04:07 PM

I am getting ready to install an Armstrong bracket on a 89 Sceptre that has a large hardtop on it. Balance on the boat right now is a little nose heavy with a full tank of gas, back to neutral with 1/4 tank.
The bracket is 72" wide, 30" setback, 12 degree angle, with a 250 EFI Merc 2 stroke.
Has anyone installed one, or something similar?
The motor currently is on the transom, and works very well where it's mounted. The info I can find on this, says to mount the motor 2.5 inches higher than were it is currently mounted. I am looking for CSC tribal knowledge on mounting.
I am putting a 4" u-channel to mount on the inside.
Longterm is to close the transom in, and put a live well in there, would should add some weight, and balance the boat.

strick · #2 06-08-2007, 02:24 AM

2.5 inches would be the starting point with the 30 inch set back. You may likely have to move it higher so make sure you have room to move the motor up. My anti cavitation plate about 4.5 inches above the bottom of the keel.

strick

JohnB · #3 06-08-2007, 10:23 AM

Thanks,
I talked to Armstrong, and they said the top of the bracket should be 23" from the keel, and that would put the motor where it needs to be. Most of the pictures I have seen are close to this, it puts the bracket about 1-2" below the top of the trim tab mounts, which is going to be a pain to work around.

JW-Tex · #4 06-08-2007, 11:22 AM

If they are Bennett tabs I think they have shorter hydraulic cylinders availalbe if that helps.

JohnB · #5 06-08-2007, 12:09 PM

Thanks,
I just got off the phone with tabman/aka Tom, and he suggested I look at the short ones, they are 2" shorter that the standard ones. I also have the 9x17 which overlap one of the chimes, so I am looking at the 12x12.
Anyone use the shorter accutators? and what are most of you running for tabs, 12x12" ?

Capt Chuck · #6 06-08-2007, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Anyone use the shorter accutators? and what are most of you running for tabs, 12x12" ?

John

I switched out the standard actuators for the short ones on my bracket install. The Potter Bracket sits lower than the Armstrong so the small ones would fit nice and snug underneath for you. I still had to cut out a small section of the bracket. I also use the 12"x12" tabs